1996 Chevrolet Lumina vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Lumina would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz C (342 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. (155 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 60 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz C is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz C (511 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Lumina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Lumina | 1998 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Lumina | C |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 342 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 511 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.1 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 62 L |
