1996 Lotus Esprit vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 5,786 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL (367 HP) has 82 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Esprit. (285 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1996 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL (530 Nm) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Esprit. (510 Nm). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Esprit. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Esprit | 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | CL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 5786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 285 HP | 367 HP |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 265 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 Length | 4430 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2970 mm |
