1998 Honda NSX vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 14 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (518 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 242 more horse power than 1998 Honda NSX. (276 HP @ 7300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 476 kg more than 1998 Honda NSX. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (699 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 395 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda NSX. (304 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda NSX. 2012 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda NSX | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | NSX | CLS |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4996 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
