1990 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (297 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 2010 Mercedes-Benz A. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2010 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1022 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S.
Because 1990 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (463 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 308 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mercedes-Benz A. (155 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mercedes-Benz A. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2010 Mercedes-Benz A has manual transmission. 2010 Mercedes-Benz A will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz S | 2010 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | A |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5547 cc | 1699 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 297 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.8 mm | 78.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 2832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |
