1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 19 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 30 more horse power than 2000 Mercedes-Benz E. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2000 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 416 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 2000 Mercedes-Benz E. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2000 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | E |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1536 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2840 mm |
