2007 Lotus Exige vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2007 Lotus Exige is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 2,293 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (185 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 1134 kg more than 2007 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 SLK (271 Nm) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Exige. (180 Nm). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Exige. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 2007 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2007 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Exige | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | SLK |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 225 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 | 916 kg | 2050 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2810 mm |
