1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz G
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz G is newer by 25 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 2,686 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz G is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz G. (154 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz G. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz G weights approximately 490 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz G is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz G will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz G (400 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz G will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2006 Mercedes-Benz G 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz G will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2006 Mercedes-Benz G | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | G |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 96 L |
