1996 Acura NSX vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 16 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Acura NSX (271 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. (254 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S.
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 S (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 336 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Acura NSX. (284 Nm @ 5400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Acura NSX. 2012 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Acura NSX | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | NSX | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 275 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5226 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 3165 mm |
