1999 Lotus Esprit vs. 1964 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1999 Lotus Esprit is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 3,498 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Esprit (350 HP) has 202 more horse power than 1964 Mercedes-Benz SL. (148 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1964 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 76 kg more than 1964 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 1999 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Mercedes-Benz SL. (196 Nm). This means 1999 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Esprit | 1964 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | SL |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1964 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 2306 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 148 HP |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1378 kg | 1302 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |
