1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (188 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (175 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter weights approximately 473 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.
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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (440 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (330 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 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 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | Sprinter |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 2433 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 5906 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 2024 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 2446 mm |
