2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1982 Mercedes-Benz S
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 S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,839 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (243 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1982 Mercedes-Benz S. (201 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 655 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, 1982 Mercedes-Benz S (315 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Exige. (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 1982 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1982 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | S |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 243 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2860 mm |
