1979 Lotus Esprit vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lotus Esprit (160 HP) has 26 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230.
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, 1979 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (206 Nm). This means 1979 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lotus Esprit | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | 230 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Top Speed | 218 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2810 mm |
