2003 Ford C-MAX vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford C-MAX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford C-MAX would be higher. At 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C (114 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2003 Ford C-MAX. (110 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford C-MAX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 184 kg more than 2003 Ford C-MAX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford C-MAX, 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C (250 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford C-MAX. (245 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford C-MAX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford C-MAX | 2004 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C-MAX | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2840 mm |
