2006 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2001 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (384 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 234 more horse power than 2001 Nissan Altima. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2001 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 638 kg more than 2001 Nissan Altima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Nissan Altima, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 280 RPM) has 317 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Nissan Altima. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz S | 2001 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | S | Altima |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5461 cc | 2389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 384 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 280 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.5 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1940 kg | 1302 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
