2009 Ford Explorer vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 13 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 5,985 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 97 more horse power than 2009 Ford Explorer. (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1214 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Explorer. (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Explorer | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 5985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 100 L |
