2006 Ford E-350 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2006 Ford E-350 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 5,408 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Ford E-350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (343 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 2006 Ford E-350. (255 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford E-350. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford E-350 weights approximately 812 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E.
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 E (480 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford E-350. (475 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford E-350.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford E-350 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E-350 | E |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5408 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 343 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2488 kg | 1676 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2120 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3510 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 15.7 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 132 L | 80 L |
