2005 Lotus Esprit vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2005 Lotus Esprit is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Esprit (349 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (237 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 135 kg more than 2005 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Esprit. (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Esprit. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Esprit | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | 500 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 4972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 402 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.1:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 282 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.8 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 90 L |
