2003 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 9 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 3,956 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. (237 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 51 kg more than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Toyota Tacoma 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, 2012 Toyota Tacoma 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, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2012 Toyota Tacoma has manual transmission. 2012 Toyota Tacoma will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | S | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3722 cc | 3956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 3250 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 79 L |
