1997 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C
To start off, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 McLaren MP4-12C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C (592 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 402 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 456 kg more than 2012 McLaren MP4-12C.
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, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C (600 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 McLaren MP4-12C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C has automatic transmission and 1997 Mercedes-Benz S has manual transmission. 1997 Mercedes-Benz S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 McLaren MP4-12C | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | McLaren |
| Model | S | MP4-12C |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 592 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1199 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2670 mm |
