2002 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2003 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2003 Nissan 350Z is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 228 more horse power than 2003 Nissan 350Z. (265 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2003 Nissan 350Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 645 kg more than 2003 Nissan 350Z. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 438 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan 350Z. (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan 350Z. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2003 Nissan 350Z has manual transmission. 2003 Nissan 350Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | 2003 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | S | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 3490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 801 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2135 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 76 L |
