1996 Lotus Esprit vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 1996 Lotus Esprit is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 2,404 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Esprit (285 HP) has 222 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. (63 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240.
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, 1996 Lotus Esprit (510 Nm) has 372 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. (138 Nm). This means 1996 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Esprit | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | 240 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2404 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 285 HP | 63 HP |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 265 km/hour | 133 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2760 mm |
