1996 Ford Taurus vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 10 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 3,392 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Taurus (235 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz S. (232 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 363 kg more than 1996 Ford Taurus.
Because 2006 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 2006 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (540 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Taurus. (312 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2006 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 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taurus | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3392 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| 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 | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 3040 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 90 L |
