1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2009 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2009 Porsche Cayman is newer by 13 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 3,385 cc, 2009 Porsche Cayman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Porsche Cayman (291 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (175 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Porsche Cayman should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 535 kg more than 2009 Porsche Cayman.
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, 2009 Porsche Cayman (340 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (330 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Porsche Cayman 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 2009 Porsche Cayman has manual transmission. 2009 Porsche Cayman 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 | 2009 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | S | Cayman |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 3385 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1310 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1810 mm |
