2005 Acura TL vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Acura TL is newer by 7 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 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Acura TL (270 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 277 kg more than 2005 Acura TL.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Acura TL, 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, 2005 Acura TL (323 Nm) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (270 Nm). This means 2005 Acura TL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. 2005 Acura TL has automatic transmission and 1998 Mercedes-Benz S has manual transmission. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Acura TL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Acura TL | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | TL | S |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 323 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1613 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 70 L |
