1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS 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 SLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS (563 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS 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 519 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS.
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 SLS (649 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS 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 SLS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | SLS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5985 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 563 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1661 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4638 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1938 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 85 L |
