2003 Renault Clio 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 Renault Clio. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Renault Clio would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 2003 Renault Clio. (96 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2003 Renault Clio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 586 kg more than 2003 Renault Clio. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Renault Clio, 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 (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Renault Clio. (127 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Renault Clio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Renault Clio | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Renault | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Clio | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.8 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 66 L |
