1989 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg (306 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. (164 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 880 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg (410 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mercedes-Benz S | 2003 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2599 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 2400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2860 mm |
