1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Chrysler 300
To start off, 2012 Chrysler 300 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 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chrysler 300 (292 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (275 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chrysler 300 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 162 kg more than 2012 Chrysler 300.
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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chrysler 300. (352 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chrysler 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Chrysler 300 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Chrysler |
| Model | S | 300 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1828 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 5044 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1486 mm |
