1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2013 Nissan ALTIMA
To start off, 2013 Nissan ALTIMA is newer by 17 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Nissan ALTIMA (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (175 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Nissan ALTIMA 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 547 kg more than 2013 Nissan ALTIMA.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Nissan ALTIMA, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (330 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Nissan ALTIMA. (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Nissan ALTIMA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2013 Nissan ALTIMA | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | S | ALTIMA |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1413 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4864 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1829 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1471 mm |
