1994 Lotus Esprit vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1994 Lotus Esprit is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,744 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S.
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, 1994 Lotus Esprit (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1994 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Lotus Esprit | 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | S |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 85 L |
