2006 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1996 Toyota Celica
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 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Celica would be higher. At 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota Celica (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota Celica 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 605 kg more than 1996 Toyota Celica.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Toyota Celica, 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Celica. (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Celica. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1996 Toyota Celica has manual transmission. 1996 Toyota Celica 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 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | C | Celica |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 75 L |
