1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2006 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2006 Smart ForTwo is newer by 10 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 329 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (60 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1295 kg more than 2006 Smart ForTwo. 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 475 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2006 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Smart |
| Model | S | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5985 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 33 L |
