2003 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (242 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (202 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 300 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 S (560 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (245 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1700 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 62 L |
