1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano 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 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano weights approximately 761 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano, 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 (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (330 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano. 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano 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 Viano will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | Viano |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2147 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 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 | 256 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 2090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 79 L |
