1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 5,459 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1987 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 121 kg more than 1987 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 CLK (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 309 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 1987 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1987 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | CLK |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 5459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.3 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.1 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 62 L |
