1995 Lotus Esprit vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1995 Lotus Esprit is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (286 HP) has 152 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 21 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 (354 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Lotus Esprit | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | 230 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 354 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 265 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1339 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.5 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 65 L |
