1996 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Esprit (285 HP) has 17 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz E. (268 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz E.
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 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz E. (350 Nm). This means 1996 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz E. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Esprit | 2006 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | E |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 285 HP | 268 HP |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| 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 | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2860 mm |
