1990 Holden Apollo vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Holden Apollo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Holden Apollo would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (242 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1990 Holden Apollo. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1990 Holden Apollo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 785 kg more than 1990 Holden Apollo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Holden Apollo, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Mercedes-Benz S (560 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 389 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Holden Apollo. (171 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Holden Apollo. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1990 Holden Apollo has manual transmission. 1990 Holden Apollo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Holden Apollo | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Holden | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Apollo | S |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 3110 mm |
