1982 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner is newer by 24 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 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mariner (201 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1982 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1982 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 504 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.
Because 2006 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1982 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Mercury Mariner (262 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Lotus Esprit | 2006 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Esprit | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1571 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 62 L |
