1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1996 Nissan Patrol
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Nissan Patrol. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Nissan Patrol would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Patrol. (114 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Patrol. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Nissan Patrol weights approximately 98 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Nissan Patrol, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Patrol. (225 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Patrol. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1996 Nissan Patrol has manual transmission. 1996 Nissan Patrol will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1996 Nissan Patrol | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | SL | Patrol |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 2824 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1988 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1810 mm |
