2006 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 10 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (141 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 135 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (220 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1996 Mercedes-Benz E has manual transmission. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C | E |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
