1962 Mercedes-Benz SE vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 2,195 cc (6 cylinders), 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (168 HP @ 3000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. (118 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE.
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 C (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE has manual transmission. 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SE | C |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2195 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 66 L |
