2011 Lotus Exige vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (518 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 278 more horse power than 2011 Lotus Exige. (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2011 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 998 kg more than 2011 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 CLS (699 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 469 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Exige. (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Exige. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 2011 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2011 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Lotus Exige | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Exige | CLS |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1800 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 942 kg | 1940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3797 mm | 4996 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1727 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1158 mm | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2299 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 80 L |
