1983 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 22 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 5,506 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 335 more horse power than 1983 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1983 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 942 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm) has 578 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | SL |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 5506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 87 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 2009 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 80 L |
