1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2011 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg 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 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Touareg. (225 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Touareg. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 266 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S.
Because 2011 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Touareg (550 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Touareg 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 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 2256 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4796 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1941 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1732 mm |
