2009 Lotus Exige vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,520 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S (223 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Exige. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 814 kg more than 2009 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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Exige. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Exige | 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 4520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 223 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 378 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 916 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2870 mm |
