1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,195 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220. (110 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 531 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 (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220. (186 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | 220 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6 seconds | 15.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |
