1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2010 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2010 Ford Taurus is newer by 14 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Ford Taurus 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 75 kg more than 2010 Ford Taurus.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Ford Taurus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2010 Ford Taurus (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (315 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2010 Ford Taurus 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 | 2010 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | S | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3199 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1896 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2868 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
