1968 Lotus Europa vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Europa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Europa would be higher. At 5,786 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL (367 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 291 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Europa. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Europa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1345 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL (530 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 427 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Europa. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Europa | 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Europa | CL |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1470 cc | 5786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 367 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1080 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 88 L |
