2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 3,839 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (396 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. (205 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 765 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 (400 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. (315 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 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. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | 380 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2998 cc | 3839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 396 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 3080 mm |
