1998 Honda NSX vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (161 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda NSX weights approximately 100 kg more than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 1998 Honda NSX (311 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda NSX | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | NSX | SLK |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
