1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 23 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. (168 HP @ 3000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 522 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit. 2012 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | E |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 231 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1148 kg | 1670 kg |
