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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (454 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 340 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 145 kg more than 2004 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. (250 Nm @ 1400 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2004 Mercedes-Benz C has manual transmission. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | 2148 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 454 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4724 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2766 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 66 L |
