1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz S
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 S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 506 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 1973 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | S |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 85 L |
