1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2007 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2007 Nissan 350Z is newer by 11 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 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Nissan 350Z (306 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (275 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 450 kg more than 2007 Nissan 350Z.
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 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Nissan 350Z. (364 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Nissan 350Z. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2007 Nissan 350Z has manual transmission. 2007 Nissan 350Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2007 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | S | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1340 mm |
