1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 25 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 3,227 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 620 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (500 Nm) has 278 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | E |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3227 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 80 L |
