1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Ascari KZ1
To start off, 2012 Ascari KZ1 is newer by 16 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 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ascari KZ1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ascari KZ1 (500 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 325 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (175 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ascari KZ1 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 610 kg more than 2012 Ascari KZ1.
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, 2012 Ascari KZ1 (550 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (330 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Ascari KZ1 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 2012 Ascari KZ1 has manual transmission. 2012 Ascari KZ1 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 | 2012 Ascari KZ1 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ascari |
| Model | S | KZ1 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1138 mm |
