1988 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (165 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz E. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 40 kg more than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S.
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, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz E. (191 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mercedes-Benz S | 1998 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | E |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2599 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.9 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2840 mm |
