1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2003 Toyota Previa
To start off, 2003 Toyota Previa 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 5,987 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 232 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Previa. (157 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Previa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 715 kg more than 2003 Toyota Previa. 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, 2003 Toyota Previa, 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 349 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Previa. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Previa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2003 Toyota Previa | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | S | Previa |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.2 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2240 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2900 mm |
