1988 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 20 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 6,207 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 257 more horse power than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. (261 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 329 kg more than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. 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 S (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. (405 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mercedes-Benz S | 2008 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | S |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 6207 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 405 Nm | 631 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 102.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3170 mm |
