2003 Honda Pilot vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda Pilot. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda Pilot would be higher. At 3,474 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Honda Pilot is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Honda Pilot (240 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (203 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Honda Pilot should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Honda Pilot, 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Pilot. (328 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Pilot.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Pilot | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Pilot | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3474 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 203 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 328 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 66 L |
