1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 21 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 1642 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (301 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | C |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 66 L |
