1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg 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 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Touareg. (217 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Touareg. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 239 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S.
Because 2006 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, 2006 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 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Touareg. (305 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Touareg. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Touareg has manual transmission. 2006 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 | 2006 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 2229 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1730 mm |
