1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2001 Porsche 996
To start off, 2001 Porsche 996 is newer by 5 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 71 more horse power than 2001 Porsche 996. (318 HP @ 6800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2001 Porsche 996. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 835 kg more than 2001 Porsche 996. 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 (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Porsche 996. (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Porsche 996. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2001 Porsche 996 has manual transmission. 2001 Porsche 996 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 | 2001 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | S | 996 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5985 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 318 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.2 mm | 82.8 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 | 2180 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2360 mm |
