2009 Lotus Exige vs. 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300. (238 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300.
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, 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 (271 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Exige. (231 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Exige | 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | 300 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 100 L |
