1995 Lotus Esprit vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1995 Lotus Esprit is newer by 21 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 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (301 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. (198 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 360 kg more than 1995 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (380 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Lotus Esprit | 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | S |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2870 mm |
