1996 Lancia Kappa vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lancia Kappa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lancia Kappa would be higher. At 4,965 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1996 Lancia Kappa. (156 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1996 Lancia Kappa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 365 kg more than 1996 Lancia Kappa. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lancia Kappa, 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lancia Kappa. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lancia Kappa. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1996 Lancia Kappa has manual transmission. 1996 Lancia Kappa will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lancia Kappa | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Kappa | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 4965 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 88 L |
