2005 Lotus Esprit vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 2005 Lotus Esprit is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 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) has 215 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 100 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, 2005 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (206 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Esprit | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esprit | 230 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 282 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.4 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 72 L |
