1997 Honda NSX vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 9 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 3,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (268 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 360 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda NSX. (311 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda NSX. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1997 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 1997 Honda NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda NSX | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | NSX | CLS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 3495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 89 L |
