2009 Lotus Exige vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (161 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Exige. (231 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Exige | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | SLK |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
