1998 Lotus GT 1 vs. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1998 Lotus GT 1 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 3,839 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus GT 1 (580 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 376 more horse power than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. (204 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus GT 1 should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1998 Lotus GT 1.
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 Lotus GT 1 (391 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. (315 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus GT 1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1998 Lotus GT 1 has manual transmission. 1998 Lotus GT 1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus GT 1 | 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | GT 1 | 380 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 3839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 580 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 391 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Top Speed | 313 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2080 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2860 mm |
