1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,683 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 409 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
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 @ 4500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 1988 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1988 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:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | CLK |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2683 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2720 mm |
