1996 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 12 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 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer (292 HP) has 7 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Esprit. (285 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1996 Lotus Esprit is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercury Mountaineer. (407 Nm). This means 1996 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercury Mountaineer. 2008 Mercury Mountaineer 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. 2008 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Esprit | 2008 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Esprit | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 4605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 285 HP | 292 HP |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2890 mm |
