2002 Lotus Exige vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2002 Lotus Exige is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 490 kg more than 2002 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Exige. (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Exige | 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | SLK |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
