1996 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2008 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2008 Toyota Highlander is newer by 12 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (343 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 2008 Toyota Highlander. (209 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2008 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 346 kg more than 2008 Toyota Highlander. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz E 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander, 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (480 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Toyota Highlander. (287 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | 2008 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | E | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 3311 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 343 HP | 209 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 287 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1676 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.5 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.5 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 65 L |
