2005 Lotus Exige vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,221 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (201 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 995 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (500 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Exige. (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Exige. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | S |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3221 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 243 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 88 L |
