1996 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 15 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 41 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz S. (302 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz S.
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 (480 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz S. (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | 2011 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 343 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 5096 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 90 L |
