2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2008 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2008 Nissan 350Z is newer by 6 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 188 more horse power than 2008 Nissan 350Z. (306 HP @ 6800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 Nissan 350Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 165 kg more than 2008 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 SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 336 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Nissan 350Z. (364 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Nissan 350Z. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2008 Nissan 350Z has manual transmission. 2008 Nissan 350Z 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 | 2008 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | SL | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5441 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 494 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 76 L |
