1997 Rover 400 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Rover 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Rover 400 would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (454 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 352 more horse power than 1997 Rover 400. (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1997 Rover 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 535 kg more than 1997 Rover 400. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Rover 400, 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 418 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Rover 400. (182 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Rover 400. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1997 Rover 400 has manual transmission. 1997 Rover 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Rover 400 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 400 | C |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 454 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4724 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2766 mm |
