1991 Lotus Esprit vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1991 Lotus Esprit is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Esprit (172 HP) has 38 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 305 kg more than 1991 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, 1991 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (206 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Esprit | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | 230 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 72 L |
