2003 Lotus Esprit vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 5,500 cc (12 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 270 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Esprit. (240 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 910 kg more than 2003 Lotus Esprit. 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL (829 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 535 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Esprit. (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Esprit. 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 2003 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 2003 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Esprit | 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | CL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 829 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 2215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 5065 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2954 mm |
