1998 Honda NSX vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 13 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 (276 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (201 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 336 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda NSX. (304 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda NSX. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda NSX | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | NSX | CLS |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 274 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.7 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1464 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
