2009 Lotus Exige vs. 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,305 cc (6 cylinders), 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2009 Lotus Exige (231 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Exige | 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1965 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2305 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 63 L |
