1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2010 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2010 Mercury Mariner is newer by 22 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2010 Mercury Mariner. (171 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2010 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 327 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, 2010 Mercury Mariner, 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 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mercury Mariner. (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mercury Mariner. 2010 Mercury Mariner 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. 2010 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2010 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Esprit | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1727 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2619 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 62 L |
