2008 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 6,207 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 345 more horse power than 2002 Nissan Altima. (173 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2002 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 659 kg more than 2002 Nissan Altima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 387 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz S | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | S | Altima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6207 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 631 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | 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 | 1955 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3170 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 76 L |
