2005 Lotus Esprit vs. 1981 Mercedes-Benz G
To start off, 2005 Lotus Esprit is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercedes-Benz G would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Esprit (349 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 224 more horse power than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. (125 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercedes-Benz G weights approximately 500 kg more than 2005 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 Mercedes-Benz G is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Mercedes-Benz G will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. (193 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Esprit | 1981 Mercedes-Benz G | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | G |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2410 mm |
