1985 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (189 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 336 kg more than 1985 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (260 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Esprit. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1985 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1985 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | C |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1796 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 1404 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 62 L |
