1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 would be higher. At 5,789 cc (12 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (362 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 436 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (540 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 312 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 260 | S |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2599 cc | 5789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.9 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 87 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 3090 mm |
