1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 24 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 57 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. (101 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 25 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. (150 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. 2005 Mercedes-Benz A has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz A will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Mercedes-Benz A | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Esprit | A |
Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1598 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 101 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 150 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 11.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1145 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3780 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1600 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2720 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 54 L |