2003 Lotus Exige vs. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2003 Lotus Exige is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 (215 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Exige. (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 513 kg more than 2003 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, 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 (275 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Exige. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Exige | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | 300 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| 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 | 1293 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 100 L |
