1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 18 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 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2006 Mercury Mountaineer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercury Mountaineer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 737 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2006 Mercury Mountaineer 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, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer 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, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2006 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Esprit | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 4013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 85 L |
