2009 Lexus LS vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 Lexus LS is newer by 11 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 4,964 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lexus LS (376 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 229 kg more than 2009 Lexus LS.
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, 2009 Lexus LS (493 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2009 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lexus LS | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | LS | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4608 cc | 4964 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 493 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.4 seconds | 6.5 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 | 1626 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2980 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 84 L | 88 L |
