2003 Lotus Exige vs. 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 2003 Lotus Exige is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,195 cc (6 cylinders), 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Exige (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220. (83 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 603 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 Lotus Exige (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220. (157 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Exige | 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | 220 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 7.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 21.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 65 L |
