2006 Acura TL vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2006 Acura TL 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 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2006 Acura TL. (258 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2006 Acura TL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 415 kg more than 2006 Acura TL. 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, 2006 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Acura TL. (316 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Acura TL. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2006 Acura TL has manual transmission. 2006 Acura TL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Acura TL | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | TL | S |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3212 cc | 4195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 258 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 316 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
