1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom
To start off, 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom 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 6,700 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom (453 HP @ 5350 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom weights approximately 510 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 Rolls-Royce Phantom (719 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom 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 Rolls-Royce Phantom | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Rolls-Royce |
| Model | S | Phantom |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5985 cc | 6700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 453 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5350 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 2690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 6091 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1989 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1638 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 100 L |
