2004 Honda Odyssey vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2004 Honda Odyssey is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (343 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 2004 Honda Odyssey. (240 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Odyssey. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Odyssey weights approximately 279 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz E 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 E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Honda Odyssey, 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 E (480 Nm) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Odyssey. (328 Nm). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Odyssey.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Odyssey | 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Odyssey | E |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3474 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 343 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 328 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1676 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.4 L/100km | 10.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 16.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 80 L |
