2006 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (384 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. (275 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 65 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 280 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz S | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | S |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5461 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 384 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 280 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.4 seconds | 7.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1940 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 88 L |
