Honda NSX vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 23 Oct 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Honda NSX: we're still completing length, width, height, wheelbase and kerb weight, plus 6 others.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
$420,000RRP
- no option data for this car
$278,900RRP
- with the Honda NSX's standard kit: $278,900 (nothing to add)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Honda NSX starts from $420,000 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class opens at $278,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz S-Class the more affordable entry point by $141,100.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $462,000 and $306,790 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz S-Class by roughly $1,855 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
We hold no ANCAP data for the Honda NSX. ANCAP's published ratings include no record for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.
Recalls on our record
Honda NSX
None open on our record
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- REC-006316 · published 1 Apr 2025The front axle brake hoses could become defective over time due to high temperature and moisture.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2023
- REC-006128 · published 23 Oct 2024Due to a software issue in the Engine Control Unit (ECU), the main wiring harness may become exposed to increased engine temperatures and become damaged.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2023
- REC-005923 · published 18 Mar 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, vehicle management systems connected to the fuse box may fail.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2024
- 33 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Honda NSX features a 7-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class gets a 12.8-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Honda NSX stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, Burmester audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Honda NSX lines up producing 427kW and 550Nm of torque, sent through a 9-speed dual-clutch automatic to a AWD layout.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class responds with a Petrol making 280kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds.
The Honda NSX has the clear power advantage at 427kW vs 280kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.0m diameter
Average
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 10.3 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
2.0 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,765/year for the Honda NSX and $2,394/year for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. That is a $371 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Honda NSX if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz S-Class if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (39 vs 64). The Honda NSX and Mercedes-Benz S-Class trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class will save you roughly $371 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Honda NSX and Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the cheapest at $278,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Honda NSX by $141,100.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class uses the least fuel at 8.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
ANCAP's published ratings include no record for Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and we hold no ANCAP data for Honda NSX, so there is no crash result to compare.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,100kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Honda NSX makes the most power at 427kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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