2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2005 Nissan Hardbody
To start off, 2005 Nissan Hardbody is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (494 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 342 more horse power than 2005 Nissan Hardbody. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 Nissan Hardbody. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 555 kg more than 2005 Nissan Hardbody. 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 SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 526 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Nissan Hardbody. (174 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Nissan Hardbody. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2005 Nissan Hardbody has manual transmission. 2005 Nissan Hardbody will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2005 Nissan Hardbody | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | SL | Hardbody |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5441 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 494 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 1320 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 60 L |
