1979 Lotus Esprit vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (494 HP) has 334 more horse power than 1979 Lotus Esprit. (160 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1979 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm) has 483 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lotus Esprit. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1979 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1979 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lotus Esprit | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | SL |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 494 HP |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2570 mm |
