2005 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2002 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Toyota Solara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Toyota Solara would be higher. At 2,438 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Toyota Solara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (189 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Solara. (162 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Solara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 9 kg more than 2002 Toyota Solara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Solara, 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (260 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Solara. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Solara. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2002 Toyota Solara has manual transmission. 2002 Toyota Solara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | 2002 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | C | Solara |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2438 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1404 kg | 1395 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2680 mm |
