1985 Lotus Esprit vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1985 Lotus Esprit is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,305 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. (109 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 307 kg more than 1985 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, 1985 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. (185 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Esprit | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | 230 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2305 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 65 L |
