1982 Lotus Esprit vs. 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190
To start off, 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190. (122 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190 weights approximately 33 kg more than 1982 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, 1982 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190. (178 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1982 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Lotus Esprit | 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | 190 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 122 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.1:1 |
| 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 | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2670 mm |
