2002 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 10 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 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (621 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 480 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 840 kg more than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 S (999 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 779 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2002 Mercedes-Benz C has manual transmission. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz C | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C | S |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 621 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 2305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 90 L |
