2005 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2008 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2008 Nissan 350Z is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 3,722 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan 350Z (306 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. (247 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 45 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 Nissan 350Z (364 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2008 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | SL | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3722 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.6 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 76 L |
