2004 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2009 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2009 Nissan 370Z is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 326 kg more than 2009 Nissan 370Z.
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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Nissan 370Z. (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Nissan 370Z. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2009 Nissan 370Z has manual transmission. 2009 Nissan 370Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2009 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | SL | 370Z |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 3699 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 72 L |
