2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1996 Nissan Primera
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Nissan Primera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Nissan Primera would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 409 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Primera. (101 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Primera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 791 kg more than 1996 Nissan Primera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Nissan Primera, 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 SL (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 584 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Primera. (136 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Primera. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1996 Nissan Primera has manual transmission. 1996 Nissan Primera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1996 Nissan Primera | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | SL | Primera |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 720 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1164 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2610 mm |
