1993 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (429 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 239 more horse power than 1993 Mercedes-Benz C. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1993 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 725 kg more than 1993 Mercedes-Benz C. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1993 Mercedes-Benz C. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will offer significantly more control. 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 (699 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 424 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Mercedes-Benz C. (275 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Mercedes-Benz C | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C | S |
| Year Released | 1993 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2797 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 429 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 2205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.5 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.4 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 90 L |
