1996 Honda NSX vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda NSX would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda NSX (280 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 220 kg more than 1996 Honda NSX.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda NSX. (294 Nm @ 5400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda NSX | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | NSX | C |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 66 L |
