2003 Lotus Exige vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 8 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Exige. (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Exige. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Exige. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Exige | 2011 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | S |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 5096 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 90 L |
