2006 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 (188 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 265 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300.
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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300. (260 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C | 300 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2940 mm |
