1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (536 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 364 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1055 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 S (799 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 578 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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 S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Esprit | S |
Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2172 cc | 5500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 172 HP | 536 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 799 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 2230 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5250 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1872 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1473 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 3165 mm |