2004 Lotus Esprit vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 2004 Lotus Esprit is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Esprit (241 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. (58 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 70 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Lotus Esprit (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. (126 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Lotus Esprit | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | 220 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1974 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 241 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2760 mm |
