1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2005 Mercury Mariner 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 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP) has 7 more horse power than 2005 Mercury Mariner. (201 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 365 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2005 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Mariner will offer significantly more control. 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) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercury Mariner. (262 Nm). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Esprit | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 201 HP |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1571 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 62 L |
