1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 is newer by 6 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 (227 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (175 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 400 kg more than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30.
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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 (540 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (330 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | C30 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2950 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1420 mm |
