1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano is newer by 20 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 (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano weights approximately 902 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano, 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano (330 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit. 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | Viano |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2147 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 2090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 79 L |
