2003 Lotus Exige vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2,685 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Exige (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (160 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 798 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (240 Nm) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Exige. (168 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Exige | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2685 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 62 L |
