1957 Lotus Seven vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 5,500 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 384 more horse power than 1957 Lotus Seven. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1957 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1470 kg more than 1957 Lotus Seven. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (829 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 676 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Lotus Seven. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Lotus Seven. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1957 Lotus Seven has manual transmission. 1957 Lotus Seven will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Lotus Seven | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Seven | CL |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 829 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 950 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 90 L |
