1996 Acura NSX vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Acura NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Acura NSX would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (536 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 265 more horse power than 1996 Acura NSX. (271 HP @ 7300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1996 Acura NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 860 kg more than 1996 Acura 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (799 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 515 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Acura NSX. (284 Nm @ 5400 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Acura NSX. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1996 Acura NSX has manual transmission. 1996 Acura NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Acura NSX | 2011 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | NSX | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 536 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 799 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 2230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 3165 mm |
