2001 Lotus Exige vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (161 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 1005 kg more than 2001 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Exige. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Exige | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | C |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 78 L |
