2003 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (317 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 56 kg more than 1996 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (470 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | S |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 470 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2060 kg | 2004 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 3150 mm |
