2006 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 363 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260.
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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (220 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 has automatic transmission and 2006 Mercedes-Benz C has manual transmission. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C | 260 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
