1998 Nissan Serena vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Nissan Serena. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Nissan Serena would be higher. At 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (203 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1998 Nissan Serena. (96 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1998 Nissan Serena.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 369 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Nissan Serena. (131 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Nissan Serena. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1998 Nissan Serena has manual transmission. 1998 Nissan Serena 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:
| 1998 Nissan Serena | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Serena | C |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Van | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 203 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2760 mm |
