1983 Lotus Esprit vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL (603 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 445 more horse power than 1983 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1983 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1088 kg more than 1983 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL (1,000 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 778 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lotus Esprit. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1983 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1983 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1983 Lotus Esprit | 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Esprit | CL |
Year Released | 1983 | 2003 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 5980 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 603 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 1000 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 82.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 93 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 2155 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2860 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 88 L |