1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420
To start off, 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 is newer by 7 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 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 (275 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 weights approximately 864 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit. 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 has automatic transmission and 1988 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1988 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | E420 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 2052 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 80 L |
