1999 Honda NSX vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1999 Honda NSX is newer by 1 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1999 Honda NSX. (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1999 Honda NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 520 kg more than 1999 Honda NSX. 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 (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Honda NSX. (310 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Honda NSX. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1999 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 1999 Honda NSX 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:
1999 Honda NSX | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | NSX | SL |
Year Released | 1999 | 1998 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 3179 cc | 4966 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 290 HP | 302 HP |
Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 310 Nm | 461 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 97 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 84 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1890 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |