1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz V
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz V 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 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz V is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz V. (139 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz V. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz V weights approximately 812 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1988 Lotus Esprit is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz V, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercedes-Benz V. (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercedes-Benz V.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1999 Mercedes-Benz V | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | V |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 3010 mm |
