1996 Mercury Mystique vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercury Mystique. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercury Mystique would be higher. At 5,500 cc (12 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S (503 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 374 more horse power than 1996 Mercury Mystique. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercury Mystique. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 968 kg more than 1996 Mercury Mystique. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mercury Mystique, 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S (830 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 650 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercury Mystique. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercury Mystique.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercury Mystique | 2013 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mystique | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 503 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 2210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5226 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2120 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3165 mm |
