2000 Lotus Exige vs. 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2000 Lotus Exige is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,306 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. (149 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 514 kg more than 2000 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, 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Lotus Exige. (180 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Lotus Exige | 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | SL |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2306 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 786 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 52 L |
