Lotus Elise vs Mercedes-Benz SLK280
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK280
Overview
| Spec | Lotus EliseBase | Mercedes-Benz SLK280SLK280 |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Base | SLK280 |
| Body style | Convertible | Convertible |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2011 | 2008 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Lotus EliseBase | Mercedes-Benz SLK280SLK280 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $51,845 | $44,150 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Lotus EliseBase | Mercedes-Benz SLK280SLK280 |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 23 MPG (best) | 20 MPG |
| City MPG | 21 MPG (best) | 17 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 27 MPG (best) | 25 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 11.5 gal | 18.5 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Lotus EliseBase | Mercedes-Benz SLK280SLK280 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 189 hp | 228 hp (best) |
| Torque | 133 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 1.8 L | 3 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | V6 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Lotus EliseBase | Mercedes-Benz SLK280SLK280 |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Cargo volume | 4 cu ft | 9.8 cu ft (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,010 lbs (best) | 3,215 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 90.5 in | 95.7 in (best) |
| Length | 149 in | 160.7 in (best) |
| Width | 67.7 in | 70.4 in (best) |
| Height | 44 in | 51 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Lotus EliseBase | Mercedes-Benz SLK280SLK280 |
|---|---|---|
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Lotus Elise | Mercedes-Benz SLK280 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base $51,845 MSRP(Currently comparing) | SLK280 $44,150 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | SC $54,990 MSRP | SLK280 Edition 10 $50,325 MSRP |