2004 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C (361 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (263 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 125 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz C | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C | C |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 361 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 66 L |
