2009 Lotus Exige vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 3,197 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (224 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Exige. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 914 kg more than 2009 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Exige. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Exige. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2009 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2009 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Exige | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
| 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 | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 80 L |
