2005 Lotus Exige vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 6 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 2,998 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (396 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL. (228 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2005 Lotus Exige (400 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL. (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2011 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2998 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 396 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2560 mm |
