1997 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz E 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 47 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. (302 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 51 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E.
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 161 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E | E |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 531 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1761 kg |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.8 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 66 L |
