1974 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,520 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 821 kg more than 2011 Lotus Exige.
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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Exige. (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lotus |
| Model | S | Exige |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4520 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 378 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 909 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2299 mm |
