1999 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. (356 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 53 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (699 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. (530 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | E |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 356 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1905 kg | 1852 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4887 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1443 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.5 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.8 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 80 L |
