2005 Honda NSX vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL

To start off, 2005 Honda NSX is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Honda NSX (241 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL. (228 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 160 kg more than 2005 Honda NSX.

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, 2005 Honda NSX (285 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL. (272 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2005 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2005 Honda NSX has automatic transmission and 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Honda NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2005 Honda NSX 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL
Make Honda Mercedes-Benz
Model NSX SL
Year Released 2005 1991
Body Type Coupe Convertible
Engine Position Middle Front
Engine Size 2999 cc 2961 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 241 HP 228 HP
Engine RPM 6300 RPM 6400 RPM
Torque 285 Nm 272 Nm
Torque RPM 5400 RPM 4600 RPM
Engine Bore Size 90 mm 88.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 78 mm 80.3 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 10.0:1 10.0:1
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 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1530 kg 1690 kg
Vehicle Length 4430 mm 4480 mm
Vehicle Width 1820 mm 1820 mm
Vehicle Height 1180 mm 1300 mm
Wheelbase Size 2630 mm 2520 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 70 L 80 L