1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 would be higher. At 5,985 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. (142 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 561 kg more than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. (454 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 560 | S |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5547 cc | 5985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 454 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.8 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1619 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2520 mm |
