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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (297 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 210 kg more than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (463 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. (270 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E.
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 | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2147 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2950 mm |
