2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 6 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (243 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (215 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 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 400 kg more than 2005 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 (316 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Exige. (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | SLK |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 243 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
