1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 17 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 456 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 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | C |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 256 km/hour | 219 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 62 L |
