1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C (189 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 81 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C (260 Nm) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. (228 Nm). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 has automatic transmission and 2004 Mercedes-Benz C has manual transmission. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 260 | C |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2599 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.9 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2840 mm |
