2001 Lotus Exige vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600
To start off, 2001 Lotus Exige is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 would be higher. At 6,329 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 (247 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2001 Lotus Exige. (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 should accelerate faster than 2001 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 weights approximately 1990 kg more than 2001 Lotus Exige. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 (500 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 326 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Exige. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Exige | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | 600 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 6329 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 103 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 95 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 2770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 6250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 3910 mm |
