1997 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. (165 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 190 kg more than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Mercedes-Benz E (531 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 303 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1988 Mercedes-Benz S has manual transmission. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | 1988 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E | S |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 531 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2950 mm |
