2003 Lotus Esprit vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2003 Lotus Esprit is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 2,307 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Esprit (240 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz E. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 55 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 Lotus Esprit (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz E. (186 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Esprit | 1968 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | E |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2760 mm |
