2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2009 Nissan Altima
To start off, both 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL and 2009 Nissan Altima were released in the same year (2009). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (661 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 488 more horse power than 2009 Nissan Altima. (173 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Altima weights approximately 77 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 819 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Nissan Altima. (181 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2009 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | SL | Altima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5980 cc | 2501 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 661 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 1000 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.6 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 65 L |
