1980 Lotus Eclat vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 31 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (168 HP @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Eclat. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Eclat. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Eclat. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Eclat has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Eclat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Eclat | 2011 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Eclat | C |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 66 L |
