2000 Holden Zafira vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2000 Holden Zafira is newer by 4 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (175 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2000 Holden Zafira. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2000 Holden Zafira. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 500 kg more than 2000 Holden Zafira. 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, 2000 Holden Zafira, 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 (330 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Holden Zafira. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Holden Zafira. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2000 Holden Zafira has manual transmission. 2000 Holden Zafira 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:
| 2000 Holden Zafira | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Holden | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Zafira | S |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1490 mm |
