2003 Honda Insight vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 6 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (154 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2003 Honda Insight. (67 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 385 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 2009 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 2009 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (231 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Insight. (123 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Insight.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Insight | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Insight | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 995 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2770 mm |
