1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2009 Nissan Quest
To start off, 2009 Nissan Quest is newer by 11 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 3,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Quest is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Quest (235 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Quest 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 206 kg more than 2009 Nissan Quest.
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, 2009 Nissan Quest, 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, 2009 Nissan Quest (325 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Quest will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2009 Nissan Quest has automatic transmission and 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Nissan Quest will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2009 Nissan Quest | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | SL | Quest |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2797 cc | 3494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3160 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 76 L |
