1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2011 Chrysler Town & Country
To start off, 2011 Chrysler Town & Country is newer by 15 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Chrysler Town & Country is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Chrysler Town & Country (283 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (175 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Chrysler Town & Country should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Chrysler Town & Country weights approximately 150 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 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, 2011 Chrysler Town & Country, 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, 2011 Chrysler Town & Country (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (330 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2011 Chrysler Town & Country 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 | 2011 Chrysler Town & Country | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Chrysler |
| Model | S | Town & Country |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 2110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 5151 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1999 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1725 mm |
