1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2010 Mercury Milan
To start off, 2010 Mercury Milan is newer by 29 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mercury Milan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2010 Mercury Milan. (175 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2010 Mercury Milan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercury Milan weights approximately 300 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, 2010 Mercury Milan, 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 (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mercury Milan. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mercury Milan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2010 Mercury Milan | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Esprit | Milan |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4801 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1834 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1445 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2728 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 66 L |
