1996 Ford Taurus vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 3,997 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (246 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1996 Ford Taurus. (235 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 398 kg more than 1996 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Ford Taurus, 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (560 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Taurus. (312 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Taurus | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taurus | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3392 cc | 3997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 246 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1592 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 88 L |
