1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 29 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 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (240 HP @ 6550 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 719 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.
Because 1980 Lotus Esprit is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 Mercury Mariner (302 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2009 Mercury Mariner 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. 2009 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Esprit | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6550 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 62 L |
