2001 Acura EL vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2001 Acura EL is newer by 5 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 51 more horse power than 2001 Acura EL. (124 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2001 Acura EL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 780 kg more than 2001 Acura EL. 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, 2001 Acura EL, 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 175 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Acura EL. (155 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Acura EL. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2001 Acura EL has manual transmission. 2001 Acura EL 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:
| 2001 Acura EL | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | EL | S |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1666 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
