Hello everybody,

I'm looking to buy a 96-98 S320 or S420 for use as my daily driver & mostly highway crusing, so drag racing performance isn't really important. I like cars that you can rev to say 6500 rpm and still have usable power, rather than say a motor that cannot make power above 5500 rpm. In looking at cars I've noticed that the S320 tachs out at 6500 rpm whereas the S420 tachs at 6000.

How much slower is the S320 than the S420?

Best regards
Chris

LAX300D Turbo,

Why would you want a 5000 pound car to rev to 6500 rpm if the intent is predominately drive on the highway.

Power is power ... 2000 rpm would be better than 6000 if one could pack enough power into those 2000 rpm ... problem in doing so is one of weight versus power output ...

I suppose someone could put in a very small V8, very small 6 (V or straight), V or straight 4, etc and get it to rev higher ... don't know why this would be better in any circumstance, except high output from small (read lightweight) engines used in racing circumstances.

I don't get it, sorry.

__________________
George Stephenson
1991 350 SDL (200K and she ain't bent, yet)
former 2002 E320 4Matic Wagon - good car
former 1985 300 CD - great car
former 1981 300 TD - good car
former 1972 280 SEL - not so good car
a couple of those diesel Rabbits ...40-45 mpg

To determine "quickness", compare power to weight ratios. An S420 has around 275 HP, whereas the S320 has arond 210.

I'd buy the S420...that's a big car for a 6 cylinder to drag around. And I'd bet the mileage penalty is minimal, as under comparable circumstances the inline 6 is working quite a bit harder than the V-8.

__________________
"If God had meant for us to walk, why did he give us feet that fit car pedals?" Sir Sterling Moss

Michael
2014 E63S Estate
2006 SLK55
1995 E500
1986 Porsche 944 turbo

Actually, the S320 is rated at 228HP, so you're looking at a ~45HP difference. Torque difference between the two powerplants is probably more significant to your satisfaction in this car, though.

My dad drives a '97 S320, and surprisingly it has decent acceleration. It's actually sounds kinda sporty - I like the way inline sixes have a rip-snarl kind of exhaust note.

I'd take a '97 or later S320 - they have the 722.6 five speed automatic, and this adds a lot of responsiveness to the car. In fact, I might take a later S320 over an earlier V8 with the four speed automatic. Drive both and decide...

Do not over look the fact that DOHC I6/V8/V12 puts out torque down low.... S420 would have 90% of its 295lb-ft coming out around 1500 rpm, all the way up to 4500.....

Do a search on "W140", or "S-Class", and I am sure you can find alot of info...

Andy Kuo

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1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
http://members.shaw.ca/AKRY/W140_Side.gif

2002 Acura TL Type S
http://members.shaw.ca/AKRY/type_s_side.gif

scratching my head....and wondering?

are these W140's considered MB Hot Rods?

tks-fad

Why is this here anyway? I'd have to think that you'd need to be considering an S 5.8 or S55 to qualify...

__________________
"If God had meant for us to walk, why did he give us feet that fit car pedals?" Sir Sterling Moss

Michael
2014 E63S Estate
2006 SLK55
1995 E500
1986 Porsche 944 turbo