1980 Lotus Eclat vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Eclat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 361 kg more than 1980 Lotus Eclat.
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 C (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Eclat. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Eclat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Eclat | 2002 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Eclat | C |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 9.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 62 L |
