1990 Honda NSX vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Honda NSX would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 352 more horse power than 1990 Honda NSX. (252 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1990 Honda NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 705 kg more than 1990 Honda NSX. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (998 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 713 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Honda NSX. (285 Nm @ 6500 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Honda NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Honda NSX | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | NSX | SL |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 998 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 246 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 2110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
