1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Dodge Ram
To start off, 2012 Dodge Ram 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 5,985 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Ram (390 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Ram weights approximately 238 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Dodge Ram. (551 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Dodge Ram.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Dodge Ram | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Dodge |
| Model | S | Ram |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5985 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 390 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 551 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 2418 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 5817 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 2017 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1877 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3569 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 121 L |
