1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1992 Mercedes-Benz 200
To start off, 1992 Mercedes-Benz 200 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1992 Mercedes-Benz 200. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1992 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Mercedes-Benz 200 weights approximately 192 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 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Mercedes-Benz 200. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Mercedes-Benz 200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1992 Mercedes-Benz 200 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | 200 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 70 L |
