1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 14 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 (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz A. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 11 kg more than 2002 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz A, 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 (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz A. (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2002 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | A |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2084 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2430 mm |
