1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 901 kg more than 2011 Lotus Exige.
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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Exige. (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Exige. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2011 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2011 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lotus |
| Model | SL | Exige |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 909 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 44 L |
