2000 Acura NSX vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2000 Acura NSX is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Acura NSX (480 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (317 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 265 kg more than 2000 Acura NSX.
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, 2000 Acura NSX (542 Nm) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (471 Nm). This means 2000 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2000 Acura NSX has manual transmission. 2000 Acura NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Acura NSX | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | NSX | SL |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 480 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 542 Nm | 471 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2520 mm |
