1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2006 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2006 Nissan Maxima is newer by 8 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 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Maxima (265 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 255 kg more than 2006 Nissan Maxima.
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, 2006 Nissan Maxima, 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, 2006 Nissan Maxima (346 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2006 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | SL | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 76 L |
