1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2000 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2000 Nissan Xterra is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 377 more horse power than 2000 Nissan Xterra. (141 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2000 Nissan Xterra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 470 kg more than 2000 Nissan Xterra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Nissan Xterra will offer significantly more control. 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 557 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Nissan Xterra. (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Nissan Xterra. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2000 Nissan Xterra has manual transmission. 2000 Nissan Xterra 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 | 2000 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | SL | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7291 cc | 2392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 766 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2660 mm |
