1982 Lotus Esprit vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK (300 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1982 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1982 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 438 kg more than 1982 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK (359 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Lotus Esprit. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1982 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1982 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1982 Lotus Esprit | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Esprit | SLK |
Year Released | 1982 | 2010 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2172 cc | 3500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 300 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 359 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1505 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4102 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1788 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1298 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2431 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 70 L |