2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Exige. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 510 kg more than 2005 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, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 (271 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Exige. (174 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | 300 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 100 L |
