2002 Lotus Esprit vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR
To start off, 2002 Lotus Esprit is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR would be higher. At 6,898 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR (604 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 364 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Esprit. (240 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 43 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR.
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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR (770 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 476 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Esprit. (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Esprit | 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | CLK GTR |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1974 cc | 6898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 770 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1308 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2680 mm |
