1979 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2008 Mercury Mariner is newer by 29 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 2,298 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lotus Esprit (160 HP) has 7 more horse power than 2008 Mercury Mariner. (153 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercury Mariner.
Because 1979 Lotus Esprit is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Mariner, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 2008 Mercury Mariner. (206 Nm). This means 1979 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercury Mariner. 2008 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1979 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1979 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lotus Esprit | 2008 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Esprit | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 153 HP |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2630 mm |
