2003 Lotus Exige vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Exige (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. (101 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 335 kg more than 2003 Lotus Exige.
Because 2003 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 2003 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2003 Lotus Exige (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. (150 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. 2005 Mercedes-Benz A has automatic transmission and 2003 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2003 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz A will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Exige | 2005 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | A |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 10.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 3610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 54 L |
