1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 22 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 6 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (154 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 1763 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (231 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | C |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 9.9 seconds |
| 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 | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 62 L |
