1994 Lotus Esprit vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (175 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 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 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (330 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1994 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1994 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1994 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Lotus Esprit | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | S |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1490 mm |
