2001 Acura RL vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2001 Acura RL is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Acura RL (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Acura RL weights approximately 195 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz E 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 E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Acura RL, 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, 2001 Acura RL (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. (190 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2001 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. 2001 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 1996 Mercedes-Benz E has manual transmission. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Acura RL | 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RL | E |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3472 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
