2005 Ford Freestar vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Ford Freestar is newer by 9 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 2005 Ford Freestar. (190 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Freestar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 64 kg more than 2005 Ford Freestar. 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, 2005 Ford Freestar, 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 (470 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Freestar. (336 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Freestar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Freestar | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Freestar | S |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 470 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1940 kg | 2004 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3070 mm | 3150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 70 L |
