2007 Lotus Exige vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2007 Lotus Exige is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. (178 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 614 kg more than 2007 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 300 (255 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Exige. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Exige. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 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. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Exige | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | 300 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 207 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 916 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 72 L |
