1998 Acura NSX vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
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 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 41 more horse power than 1998 Acura NSX. (276 HP @ 7300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1998 Acura NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 380 kg more than 1998 Acura NSX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Acura NSX. (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Acura NSX. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Acura NSX | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | NSX | SL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 471 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
