1998 Hyundai Atos vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1998 Hyundai Atos is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 251 more horse power than 1998 Hyundai Atos. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1998 Hyundai Atos. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1443 kg more than 1998 Hyundai Atos. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Hyundai Atos, 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 386 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Hyundai Atos. (184 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Hyundai Atos. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1998 Hyundai Atos has manual transmission. 1998 Hyundai Atos will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Hyundai Atos | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Atos | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 999 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 797 kg | 2240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2890 mm |
