1997 Lexus ES vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lexus ES. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lexus ES would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Lexus ES is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lexus ES (210 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lexus ES should accelerate faster than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 5 kg more than 1997 Lexus ES.
Because 2007 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 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Lexus ES, 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (340 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lexus ES. (304 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lexus ES.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lexus ES | 2007 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | ES | C |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 2146 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2720 mm |
