1994 Lotus Esprit vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1994 Lotus Esprit is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500. (245 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500.
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 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500. (399 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1994 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Lotus Esprit | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | 500 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 245 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 399 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 267 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2460 mm |
