2004 Lotus Esprit vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS is newer by 9 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 6,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS (575 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 2004 Lotus Esprit. (350 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS should accelerate faster than 2004 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS weights approximately 284 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS (649 Nm) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Lotus Esprit. (400 Nm). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Lotus Esprit | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | SLS |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3507 cc | 6300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 575 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 102 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1664 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4638 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 2075 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1261 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 10.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
