2003 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2006 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2006 Nissan 350Z is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan 350Z (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. (242 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 280 kg more than 2006 Nissan 350Z.
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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (560 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Nissan 350Z. (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Nissan 350Z. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2006 Nissan 350Z has manual transmission. 2006 Nissan 350Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | 2006 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | S | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
