2002 Lexus SC vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lexus SC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lexus SC would be higher. At 4,291 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Lexus SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (295 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2002 Lexus SC. (278 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2002 Lexus SC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 360 kg more than 2002 Lexus SC. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Lexus SC (447 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. (385 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 Lexus SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lexus SC | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SC | S |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4291 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 278 HP | 295 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 2100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 90 L |
