1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2005 Mercury Mariner is newer by 16 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 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP) has 16 more horse power than 2005 Mercury Mariner. (200 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 351 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1989 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 1989 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercury Mariner. (262 Nm). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Esprit | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1148 kg | 1499 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2630 mm |
