2003 Lotus Exige vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (187 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Exige. (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 935 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Exige. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Exige | 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | E |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 17.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 8.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 65 L |
