1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (454 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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 585 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C.
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 Mercedes-Benz C (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | S | C |
Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5987 cc | 6200 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 389 HP | 454 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 570 Nm | 600 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 2240 kg | 1655 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4724 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1796 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2766 mm |