1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 vs. 2006 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2006 Nissan 350Z is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan 350Z (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. (231 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 95 kg more than 2006 Nissan 350Z.
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, 2006 Nissan 350Z (364 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. (327 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 has automatic transmission and 2006 Nissan 350Z has manual transmission. 2006 Nissan 350Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 | 2006 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | 420 | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 231 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 327 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1625 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2660 mm |
