1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Mercury Milan
To start off, 2008 Mercury Milan 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 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Milan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2008 Mercury Milan. (160 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercury Milan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Milan weights approximately 644 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 Mercury Milan, 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 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercury Milan. (213 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercury Milan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2008 Mercury Milan | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Esprit | Milan |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 66 L |
