1985 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC weights approximately 397 kg more than 1985 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 (250 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | CLC |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 8.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 62 L |
