2005 Lotus Esprit vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Lotus Esprit is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Esprit (349 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 510 kg more than 2005 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Esprit. (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Esprit. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Esprit | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 282 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.8 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.4 L/100km | 12.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 80 L |
