1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2009 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 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 3,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg (280 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 414 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg (359 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (315 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2009 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3199 cc | 3597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 95.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1896 kg | 2310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 100 L |
