2008 Hyundai i30 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Hyundai i30 is newer by 12 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 5,987 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 269 more horse power than 2008 Hyundai i30. (120 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 Hyundai i30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1026 kg more than 2008 Hyundai i30. 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, 2008 Hyundai i30, 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 (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 416 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Hyundai i30. (154 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Hyundai i30.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai i30 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | i30 | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1591 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 154 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77.1 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.4 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1214 kg | 2240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2890 mm |
