2004 Lotus Esprit vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (605 HP) has 364 more horse power than 2004 Lotus Esprit. (241 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1525 kg more than 2004 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 SL (1,000 Nm) has 706 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Lotus Esprit. (294 Nm). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Lotus Esprit | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | SL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1974 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 241 HP | 605 HP |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| 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 | 1305 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2570 mm |
