2002 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (303 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. (247 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 85 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. 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 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | S |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 3724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 303 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1895 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 88 L |
