2002 Lotus Exige vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2002 Lotus Exige is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (343 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Exige. (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 896 kg more than 2002 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (480 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 299 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Exige. (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Exige. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2002 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2002 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Exige | 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | E |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 343 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1676 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 80 L |
