1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1991 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Nissan 300 ZX would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (376 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1991 Nissan 300 ZX. (279 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1991 Nissan 300 ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 215 kg more than 1991 Nissan 300 ZX. 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 SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Nissan 300 ZX. (376 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Nissan 300 ZX. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1991 Nissan 300 ZX has manual transmission. 1991 Nissan 300 ZX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1991 Nissan 300 ZX | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | SL | 300 ZX |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 2958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 279 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 376 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2580 mm |
