1997 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2008 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2008 Nissan 350Z is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan 350Z (309 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 174 kg more than 2008 Nissan 350Z.
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, 2008 Nissan 350Z (358 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz S | 2008 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | S | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 309 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 358 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1716 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
