1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 18 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (303 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 341 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 260 | E |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2599 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.9 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| 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 | 1865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2860 mm |
