1996 Lotus Esprit vs. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1996 Lotus Esprit is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,998 cc (5 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Esprit (285 HP) has 162 more horse power than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300. (123 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300.
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 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300. (250 Nm). This means 1996 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 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. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Esprit | 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | 300 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 285 HP | 123 HP |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 265 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2800 mm |
