2012 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (536 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 245 more horse power than 2013 Mercedes-Benz S. (291 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2013 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 210 kg more than 2013 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (799 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 414 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mercedes-Benz S. (385 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | 2013 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | S |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5500 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 6 valves |
| Horse Power | 536 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 799 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 2020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 5226 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1872 mm | 2120 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1473 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3165 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
