1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 15 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C (361 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 306 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1989 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 2004 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | C |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 361 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 256 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 62 L |
