2006 Acura RL vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2006 Acura RL is newer by 10 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 3,474 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Acura RL (290 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (175 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 382 kg more than 2006 Acura RL.
Because 2006 Acura RL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Acura RL will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Acura RL (347 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (330 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2006 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Acura RL | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RL | S |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3474 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 347 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1578 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1490 mm |
