1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 19 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 3,221 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. (201 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 737 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (500 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | E |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3221 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1148 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2860 mm |
