1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,197 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 220. (106 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 147 kg more than 1988 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 220. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1968 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | 220 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 64 L |
