1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2011 Porsche Panamera
To start off, 2011 Porsche Panamera 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 Porsche Panamera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Porsche Panamera (300 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Porsche Panamera 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 136 kg more than 2011 Porsche Panamera.
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 Porsche Panamera (400 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (315 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 Porsche Panamera 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 2011 Porsche Panamera has manual transmission. 2011 Porsche Panamera 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 | 2011 Porsche Panamera | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | S | Panamera |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3199 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1896 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4968 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2918 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 100 L |
