1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1984 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 473 kg more than 1984 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK (240 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lotus Esprit. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 1984 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1984 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | CLK |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 9.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 70 L |
