2007 Lotus Exige vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2007 Lotus Exige is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 (240 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2007 Lotus Exige. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2007 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 704 kg more than 2007 Lotus Exige. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Exige. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Exige. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 2007 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2007 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Exige | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | 500 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 228 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 | 916 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 90 L |
