1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 484 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 CLK (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Lotus Esprit | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Esprit | CLK |
Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2172 cc | 3496 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 208 HP | 268 HP |
Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 277 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 92.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1690 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4640 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2720 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 62 L |