2004 Maserati MC12 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Maserati MC12 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,998 cc (2 cylinders), 2004 Maserati MC12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Maserati MC12 (623 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 433 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Maserati MC12 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 555 kg more than 2004 Maserati MC12.
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, 2004 Maserati MC12 (652 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 382 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 Maserati MC12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Maserati MC12 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Maserati | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MC12 | S |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5998 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 623 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 652 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2100 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 70 L |
