1996 Mercedes-Benz E 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 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (241 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 242 kg more than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4266 cc | 3722 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 241 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.6 seconds | 7.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2052 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 88 L |
