2009 Lotus Exige vs. 2008 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercury Sable. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercury Sable would be higher. At 3,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Sable (260 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Exige. (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Exige.
Because 2009 Lotus Exige is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2008 Mercury Sable (332 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Exige. (231 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Exige. 2008 Mercury Sable 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. 2008 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Exige | 2008 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Exige | Sable |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 78 L |
