1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 691 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Exige. (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lotus |
| Model | 420 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 329 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 909 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2299 mm |
