1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1999 Rover 800
To start off, 1999 Rover 800 is newer by 3 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 5,985 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 1999 Rover 800. (173 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1999 Rover 800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 745 kg more than 1999 Rover 800. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Rover 800, 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 S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Rover 800. (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Rover 800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 1999 Rover 800 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Rover |
| Model | S | 800 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5985 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.2 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2780 mm |
