1996 Lotus Esprit vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 3 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Esprit (285 HP) has 124 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (161 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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, 1996 Lotus Esprit (510 Nm) has 276 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (234 Nm). This means 1996 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Esprit | 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | SLK |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 285 HP | 161 HP |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2410 mm |
