2005 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 228 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 128 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (540 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (315 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C | S |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2948 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 540 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1768 kg | 1896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
