1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 561 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
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 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 1997 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | S |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 70 L |
