1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (303 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 666 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | CL |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2860 mm |
