2005 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (138 HP @ 1800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 40 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (315 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. (190 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C | E |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 1800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 198 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.3 seconds | 12.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.3 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
