2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. (185 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 655 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Because 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Lotus Exige. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Exige. (174 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | 300 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 72 L |
