1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 28 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. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 1632 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Esprit | C |
Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2148 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 208 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 277 Nm | 400 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 2832 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4590 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1450 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1780 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2770 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 62 L |