1996 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg (222 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (151 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 951 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Touareg (500 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (220 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | 2006 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | C | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2295 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 151 HP | 222 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.9 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 91.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 2316 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 100 L |
