2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 would be higher. At 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (243 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. (108 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 weights approximately 420 kg more than 2005 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 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. (187 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | 230.4 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 243 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 65 L |
