1999 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 282 kg more than 1999 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK (460 Nm) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Esprit. (400 Nm). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Esprit. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 1999 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1999 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Esprit | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | CLK |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 286 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 Weight | 1378 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 62 L |
