1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 21 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 450 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2002 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | E |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 65 L |
