2004 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,786 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (362 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. (189 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 565 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. (260 Nm). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2004 Mercedes-Benz C has manual transmission. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz C | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C | S |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.4 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.6 L/100km | 9.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 19.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 13.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 88 L |
