1997 Honda NSX vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda NSX would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL. (217 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 385 kg more than 1997 Honda NSX.
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, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL (316 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda NSX. (311 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda NSX | 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | NSX | SL |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |
