2009 Lotus Exige vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 304 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Exige. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1005 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm) has 520 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Exige. (180 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Exige | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 916 kg | 1921 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 80 L |
