2003 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2008 Seat Altea
To start off, 2008 Seat Altea is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E (469 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 368 more horse power than 2008 Seat Altea. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2008 Seat Altea. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 515 kg more than 2008 Seat Altea. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz E 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 E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Seat Altea, 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 E (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 312 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Seat Altea. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Seat Altea. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2008 Seat Altea has manual transmission. 2008 Seat Altea will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz E | 2008 Seat Altea | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Seat |
| Model | E | Altea |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 469 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 55 L |
