2004 Ford Taurus vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S

To start off, 2004 Ford Taurus is newer by 8 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (228 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2004 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 419 kg more than 2004 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford Taurus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (315 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Taurus.

Compare all specifications:

2004 Ford Taurus 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
Make Ford Mercedes-Benz
Model Taurus S
Year Released 2004 1996
Body Type Sedan Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2967 cc 3199 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 155 HP 228 HP
Engine RPM 4900 RPM 5500 RPM
Torque 244 Nm 315 Nm
Torque RPM 3950 RPM 3750 RPM
Engine Bore Size 88.9 mm 89.9 mm
Engine Stroke Size 78.7 mm 84 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 9.3:1 10.0:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Automatic Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1477 kg 1896 kg
Vehicle Length 5030 mm 5120 mm
Vehicle Width 1860 mm 1890 mm
Vehicle Height 1430 mm 1490 mm
Wheelbase Size 3030 mm 2520 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 68 L 70 L


 

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