2009 Lotus Exige vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Lotus Exige would be higher. Both 2009 Lotus Exige and 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK are equipped with a 1,796 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (201 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Exige. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 584 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Exige. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Exige. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Exige | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | SLK |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 6.6 seconds |
| 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 Weight | 916 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
