1979 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 32 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 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (621 HP) has 461 more horse power than 1979 Lotus Esprit. (160 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (999 Nm) has 782 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lotus Esprit. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Esprit | CL |
Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 6000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 160 HP | 621 HP |
Torque | 217 Nm | 999 Nm |
Top Speed | 218 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 Length | 4200 mm | 5105 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1872 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1427 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2954 mm |