1982 Lotus Esprit vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1982 Lotus Esprit is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1982 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1982 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 397 kg more than 1982 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Lotus Esprit | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | 280 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 79 L |
