1994 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1994 Lotus Esprit. (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1994 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (511 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Lotus Esprit. (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Lotus Esprit. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1994 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1994 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Lotus Esprit | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | SLK |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 511 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 267 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |
