1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2005 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2005 Nissan 350Z is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,985 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2005 Nissan 350Z. (287 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2005 Nissan 350Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 711 kg more than 2005 Nissan 350Z. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Nissan 350Z. (354 Nm). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Nissan 350Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2005 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | S | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5985 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 287 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 354 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1469 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 76 L |
