2002 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2012 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Xterra 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 415 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 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. 2012 Nissan Xterra 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 Nissan Xterra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz C | 2012 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | C | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 80 L |
