1975 Mercedes-Benz 200 vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200 would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200. (54 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200 weights approximately 436 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Lotus Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200. 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200 has automatic transmission and 2012 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2012 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200 | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lotus |
| Model | 200 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1378 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.7 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.5 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 44 L |
