1983 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 458 kg more than 1983 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, 1983 Lotus Esprit (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Esprit | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | C |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 10 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 62 L |
