1996 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2011 Ford Transit Connect
To start off, 2011 Ford Transit Connect is newer by 15 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Ford Transit Connect is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Transit Connect (136 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Transit Connect should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Transit Connect weights approximately 164 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 1996 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Ford Transit Connect, 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, 2011 Ford Transit Connect (173 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Transit Connect 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 | 2011 Ford Transit Connect | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | C | Transit Connect |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Panel Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1574 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 2014 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2911 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 58 L |
