1981 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1996 Nissan Sunny
To start off, 1996 Nissan Sunny is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mercedes-Benz S (154 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Sunny. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Sunny. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 558 kg more than 1996 Nissan Sunny. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Mercedes-Benz S is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Nissan Sunny, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1981 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Sunny. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Sunny.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercedes-Benz S | 1996 Nissan Sunny | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | S | Sunny |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2540 mm |
