2005 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2013 Nissan Z
To start off, 2013 Nissan Z is newer by 8 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, 2013 Nissan Z (327 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. (247 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Nissan Z 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 262 kg more than 2013 Nissan Z.
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, 2013 Nissan Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 Nissan Z 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 | 2013 Nissan Z | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | SL | Z |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3722 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 327 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11:01:00 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1493 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1845 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1315 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 72 L |
