1997 McLaren F1 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 McLaren F1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 McLaren F1 would be higher. At 6,063 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 McLaren F1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 McLaren F1 (618 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 316 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. (302 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 McLaren F1 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 684 kg more than 1997 McLaren F1.
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, 1997 McLaren F1 (649 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1997 McLaren F1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1997 McLaren F1 has manual transmission. 1997 McLaren F1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 McLaren F1 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | McLaren | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | F1 | S |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 6063 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 618 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 649 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1854 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 3090 mm |
