2009 Lotus Exige vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Exige (257 HP) has 123 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230.
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 (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Exige | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | 230 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 2298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 257 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.1 L/100km | 10.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 12.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 65 L |
