2003 Honda Insight vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda Insight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda Insight would be higher. At 2,146 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2003 Honda Insight. (67 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 750 kg more than 2003 Honda Insight. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 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 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Honda Insight, 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (340 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Insight. (123 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Insight. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2003 Honda Insight has manual transmission. 2003 Honda Insight will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Insight | 2007 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Insight | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 995 cc | 2146 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2720 mm |
