1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. (175 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 321 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 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. (241 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2002 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | C |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6 seconds | 9.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2720 mm |
