1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,193 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220. (112 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 94 kg more than 1980 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220. (167 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | 220 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2193 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 85 L |
