2003 Lotus Esprit vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560
To start off, 2003 Lotus Esprit is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Esprit (240 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. (142 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 weights approximately 314 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (454 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Esprit. (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Esprit. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 has automatic transmission and 2003 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 2003 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Esprit | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | 560 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1619 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2460 mm |
