2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2005 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 3 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (511 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 2005 Nissan 350Z. (300 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 Nissan 350Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 496 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (720 Nm) has 348 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Nissan 350Z. (372 Nm). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Nissan 350Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2005 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | SL | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 511 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 720 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.5 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 76 L |
