1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 27 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 335 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 (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. (220 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2008 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | C |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 62 L |
