2003 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2008 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2008 Toyota Highlander is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 3,311 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Highlander (209 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 190 kg more than 2008 Toyota Highlander.
Because 2003 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander, 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 Mercedes-Benz C (316 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Toyota Highlander. (287 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz C | 2008 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | C | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 3311 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 209 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 316 Nm | 287 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.9 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.7 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.3 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 65 L |
