1998 Honda NSX vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 3,724 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda NSX (276 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. (242 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 291 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 SL (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda NSX. (304 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda NSX.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Honda NSX | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | NSX | SL |
Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 3179 cc | 3724 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 276 HP | 242 HP |
Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 304 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 97 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
Top Speed | 274 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.7 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1464 kg | 1755 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4540 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |