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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (343 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (168 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 151 kg more than 2005 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (480 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (250 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2005 Mercedes-Benz C has manual transmission. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 343 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1676 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.9 L/100km | 10.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.1 L/100km | 16.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.8 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 80 L |
