1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 7 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 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S 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 21 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S.
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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (315 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S 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 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3199 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1896 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 88 L |
