1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 4,966 cc, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 685 kg more than 1981 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL (460 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | CL |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 4966 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| 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 | 1200 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 88 L |
