1998 Acura NSX vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1998 Acura NSX is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1998 Acura NSX. (291 HP @ 7100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1998 Acura 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Acura NSX. (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Acura NSX. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1998 Acura NSX has manual transmission. 1998 Acura NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Acura NSX | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | NSX | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 291 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2890 mm |
