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 27 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (161 HP @ 5300 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 172 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 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. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | 1796 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 234 km/hour | 211 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 | 1692 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2940 mm |
