1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (228 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. (172 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 342 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S.
Because 2008 Nissan Pathfinder 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 Nissan Pathfinder 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, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder (403 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (315 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2008 Nissan Pathfinder has manual transmission. 2008 Nissan Pathfinder 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 | 2008 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | S | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3199 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 403 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1896 kg | 2238 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
