1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2002 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Touareg 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 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 173 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen Touareg. (216 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen Touareg. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 34 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S.
Because 2002 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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 260 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Touareg. (310 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Touareg. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2002 Volkswagen Touareg has manual transmission. 2002 Volkswagen Touareg 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 | 2002 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5985 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.2 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 2214 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 100 L |
