1996 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 11 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 400 kg more than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz C 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 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C | C |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 236 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 62 L |
