1983 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC is newer by 26 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1983 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC should accelerate faster than 1983 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC weights approximately 1763 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC (351 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lotus Esprit. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | CLC |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 62 L |
