2003 Ford C-MAX vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 3 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 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (201 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 2003 Ford C-MAX. (110 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford C-MAX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 204 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 2006 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 2006 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, both vehicles can yield 245 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford C-MAX | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C-MAX | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 68.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 11.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2720 mm |
