1998 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2012 Toyota Highlander is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,786 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (362 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2012 Toyota Highlander. (270 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2012 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 110 kg more than 2012 Toyota Highlander. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Highlander, 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Highlander. (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | S | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5786 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.5 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.9 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 73 L |
