1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2011 Nissan 370Z is newer by 13 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2011 Nissan 370Z. (332 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2011 Nissan 370Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 242 kg more than 2011 Nissan 370Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Nissan 370Z. (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Nissan 370Z. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2011 Nissan 370Z has manual transmission. 2011 Nissan 370Z 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 | 2011 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | SL | 370Z |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4247 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1326 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.6 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.5 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 72 L |
