1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200
To start off, 1987 Lotus Esprit is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. (93 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 weights approximately 263 kg more than 1987 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. (156 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | 200 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 15.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 65 L |
