2002 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. (297 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S.
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 Mercedes-Benz E (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. (463 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz E | 1990 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E | S |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2950 mm |
