1999 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2002 Nissan Altima is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 3,505 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Altima (247 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 345 kg more than 2002 Nissan Altima.
Because 1999 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 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima, 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, 2002 Nissan Altima (338 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL. (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2002 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | SL | Altima |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 3505 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 73 L |
