1997 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz C (303 HP @ 5850 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. (221 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 215 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz C (410 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz C | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C | E |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4266 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 303 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5850 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 233 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 8.5 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 | 1570 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 80 L |
