2005 Lotus Exige vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 267 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Exige. (243 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1115 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 594 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Exige. (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Exige. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 243 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 87 mm |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 2045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 80 L |
