1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1997 TVR Chimaera
To start off, 1997 TVR Chimaera is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1997 TVR Chimaera. (225 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1997 TVR Chimaera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 965 kg more than 1997 TVR Chimaera. 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 S (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 TVR Chimaera. (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 TVR Chimaera. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1997 TVR Chimaera has manual transmission. 1997 TVR Chimaera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 1997 TVR Chimaera | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | TVR |
| Model | S | Chimaera |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 3946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 94.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1230 mm |
