2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 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 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (618 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (389 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 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 415 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.
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 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (780 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SLR McLaren | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 618 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 780 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1825 kg | 2240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2890 mm |
