2009 Lotus Exige vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500
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 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 240 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar.
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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Exige. (231 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Exige. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 2009 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2009 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Exige | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | 500 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 90 L |
