1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2009 Nissan GT-R
To start off, 2009 Nissan GT-R is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan GT-R (469 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (375 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan GT-R should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 496 kg more than 2009 Nissan GT-R.
Because 2009 Nissan GT-R is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Nissan GT-R (588 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan GT-R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2009 Nissan GT-R | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | SL | GT-R |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5956 cc | 3799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 588 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 310 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.7 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 74 L |
