2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280.
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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Exige. (237 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | 280 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2460 mm |
