1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2008 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2008 Dodge Nitro is newer by 12 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 214 more horse power than 2008 Dodge Nitro. (175 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 380 kg more than 2008 Dodge Nitro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Dodge Nitro 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, 2008 Dodge Nitro 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 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Dodge Nitro. (460 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Dodge Nitro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2008 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Dodge |
| Model | S | Nitro |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 2768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.2 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2240 kg | 1860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2770 mm |
