2002 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2003 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2003 Toyota Prius is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Prius. (76 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 170 kg more than 2003 Toyota Prius. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Prius, 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Prius. (115 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Prius.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz C | 2003 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | C | Prius |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
