1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. (185 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 588 kg more than 2012 Lotus Exige.
Because 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Lotus Exige. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 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, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Exige. (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lotus |
| Model | 300 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.9 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 44 L |
