2008 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (517 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 289 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 406 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C.
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 S (315 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. (240 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Mercedes-Benz C | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | C | S |
Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3199 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 517 HP | 228 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 240 Nm | 315 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 89.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1896 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 5120 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1890 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1490 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |