1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 19 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 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL (525 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 310 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 687 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL will offer significantly more control. 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 333 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 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. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | CL |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 525 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 631 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 102.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 94.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 62 L |
