1992 Honda NSX vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS

To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Honda NSX would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1992 Honda NSX. (280 HP @ 7300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1992 Honda NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 520 kg more than 1992 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 306 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Honda NSX. (294 Nm @ 5400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Honda NSX. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1992 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 1992 Honda NSX 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:

1992 Honda NSX 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
Make Honda Mercedes-Benz
Model NSX CLS
Year Released 1992 2012
Body Type Coupe Sedan
Engine Position Middle Front
Engine Size 2977 cc 4663 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type V V
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 280 HP 402 HP
Engine RPM 7300 RPM 5000 RPM
Torque 294 Nm 600 Nm
Torque RPM 5400 RPM 1800 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 1370 kg 1890 kg
Vehicle Length 4410 mm 4940 mm
Vehicle Width 1820 mm 1882 mm
Vehicle Height 1180 mm 1417 mm
Wheelbase Size 2540 mm 2875 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 70 L 80 L