1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz E. (94 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 212 kg more than 1981 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz E. (159 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1973 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | E |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 65 L |
