1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit 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 52 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz A. (108 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 718 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1987 Lotus Esprit is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1987 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz A (251 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit. 2006 Mercedes-Benz A has automatic transmission and 1987 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1987 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz A will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 2006 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | A |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 10.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 5.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 60 L |
