1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML is newer by 11 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 2,601 cc (5 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML. (161 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML weights approximately 979 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML will offer significantly more control. 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML (377 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | ML |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 2155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2720 mm |
