1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2010 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2010 Nissan Xterra is newer by 14 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2010 Nissan Xterra. (261 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2010 Nissan Xterra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 68 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Nissan Xterra. (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Nissan Xterra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2010 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | SL | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 471 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1908 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
