2003 Lotus Exige vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 5 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 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Exige (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 725 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (270 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Exige. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Exige. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Exige | 2008 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 11.7 seconds |
| 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 | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 62 L |
