1990 Lotus Esprit vs. 1977 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1990 Lotus Esprit is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,745 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1977 Mercedes-Benz S. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1977 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 435 kg more than 1990 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, 1977 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1977 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lotus Esprit | 1977 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | S |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2870 mm |
