2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Exige. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 weights approximately 801 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 (287 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Exige. (174 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Exige. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | 350 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 287 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 65.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1676 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 95 L |
