2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. (182 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 685 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Exige. (174 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1986 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 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | S |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2950 mm |
