1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (221 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300. (188 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 135 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300. (260 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 300 | C |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 188 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2720 mm |
