2008 Mazda 5 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Mazda 5 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 5. (141 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 280 kg more than 2008 Mazda 5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 5, 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, 2008 Mazda 5 (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 5 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 5 | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
