1988 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 21 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (261 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz E. (228 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 401 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (405 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz E. (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mercedes-Benz S | 2009 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | E |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 405 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2860 mm |
