1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1997 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Nissan Sentra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Nissan Sentra would be higher. At 7,291 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 433 more horse power than 1997 Nissan Sentra. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1997 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1084 kg more than 1997 Nissan Sentra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 Nissan Sentra, 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 (766 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 648 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Nissan Sentra. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Nissan Sentra. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1997 Nissan Sentra has manual transmission. 1997 Nissan Sentra 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 | 1997 Nissan Sentra | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
Model | SL | Sentra |
Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 7291 cc | 1392 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 518 HP | 85 HP |
Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 766 Nm | 118 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 966 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4290 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2440 mm |