2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 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 5,985 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500. (302 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 451 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500. (441 Nm). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E500 | S |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 5985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 441 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 97.1 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1729 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 100 L |
