2003 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2011 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2011 Nissan Altima is newer by 8 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 223 more horse power than 2011 Nissan Altima. (270 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2011 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 548 kg more than 2011 Nissan Altima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Altima, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 451 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Nissan Altima. (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Nissan Altima. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2011 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2011 Nissan Altima 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 | 2011 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | S | Altima |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2060 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2675 mm |
