1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit 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 24 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 360 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 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. (190 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Lotus Esprit | 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Esprit | E |
Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 134 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.4:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1480 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4820 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1510 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2840 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 70 L |