1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,195 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220. (83 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 54 kg more than 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220. (158 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | 220 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 100 L |
