1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,306 cc (6 cylinders), 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 180 kg more than 1980 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL. (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | SL |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1967 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2306 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 65 L |
