2003 Acura TL vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Acura TL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Acura TL would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (228 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2003 Acura TL. (225 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2003 Acura TL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 77 kg more than 2003 Acura TL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Acura TL, 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (540 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura TL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura TL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura TL | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | TL | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 2948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1578 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 62 L |
