1986 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 6,207 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 358 more horse power than 1986 Lotus Esprit. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1986 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 888 kg more than 1986 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 410 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lotus Esprit. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1986 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1986 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lotus Esprit | 2008 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | S |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 6207 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 631 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 102.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 3170 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 90 L |
