2003 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2009 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 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 213 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Touareg. (280 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Touareg. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 250 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S.
Because 2009 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 441 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Touareg. (359 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Touareg.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | 2009 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Touareg |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 3597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2060 kg | 2310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2860 mm |
