2005 Nissan 350Z vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Nissan 350Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Nissan 350Z would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS (563 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 280 more horse power than 2005 Nissan 350Z. (283 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS should accelerate faster than 2005 Nissan 350Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS weights approximately 131 kg more than 2005 Nissan 350Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS (649 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Nissan 350Z. (354 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Nissan 350Z. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS has automatic transmission and 2005 Nissan 350Z has manual transmission. 2005 Nissan 350Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Nissan 350Z | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS | |
| Make | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 350Z | SLS |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 283 HP | 563 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 354 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 317 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 3.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1661 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4638 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1938 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 85 L |
