1996 Ford Mustang vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,655 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (242 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1996 Ford Mustang. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 443 kg more than 1996 Ford Mustang. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (560 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Mustang. (386 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Mustang. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Mustang 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:
1996 Ford Mustang | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Mustang | S |
Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4655 cc | 3996 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 215 HP | 242 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 386 Nm | 560 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1700 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1547 kg | 1990 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 5050 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 3110 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |