2001 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mercedes-Benz A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mercedes-Benz A would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 2001 Mercedes-Benz A. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 111 kg more than 2012 Lotus Exige.
Because 2012 Lotus Exige is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercedes-Benz A. (131 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mercedes-Benz A | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lotus |
| Model | A | Exige |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 909 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 44 L |
