1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 4,964 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (302 HP @ 2700 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 512 kg more than 1989 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 1989 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Esprit | CLK |
Year Released | 1989 | 2005 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 4964 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 216 HP | 302 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
Torque | 298 Nm | 460 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2700 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 97 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1148 kg | 1660 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4640 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2720 mm |