1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Nissan GT-R
To start off, 2012 Nissan GT-R is newer by 16 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 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan GT-R (530 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan GT-R 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 503 kg more than 2012 Nissan GT-R.
Because 2012 Nissan GT-R is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan GT-R will offer significantly more control. 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 Nissan GT-R (607 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan GT-R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Nissan GT-R | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | S | GT-R |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 530 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 607 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2240 kg | 1737 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4671 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1369 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2779 mm |
