2002 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2001 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 2001 Toyota Highlander. (217 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2001 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 375 kg more than 2001 Toyota Highlander. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Toyota Highlander will offer significantly more control. 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 S (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 500 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Toyota Highlander. (301 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | 2001 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | S | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 2954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 801 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2135 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2730 mm |
