2003 Ford C-MAX 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 Ford C-MAX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford C-MAX would be higher. At 2,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2003 Ford C-MAX. (144 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford C-MAX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 193 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 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 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, 2003 Ford C-MAX (344 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Ford C-MAX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford C-MAX | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C-MAX | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 68.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 132 L | 62 L |
