1998 Honda NSX vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 1998 Honda NSX is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,520 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda NSX (276 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (225 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 278 kg more than 1998 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda NSX. (304 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda NSX. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 1998 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 1998 Honda NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda NSX | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | NSX | 450 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 4520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 378 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 274 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1464 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2870 mm |
