1998 Honda NSX vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda NSX would be higher. At 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda NSX (276 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (275 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 431 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (401 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda NSX. (304 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda NSX. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda NSX | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | NSX | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 274 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.7 seconds | 7.3 seconds |
| 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 | 1895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 88 L |
