2006 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2002 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Toyota Prius. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Toyota Prius would be higher. At 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Prius. (71 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 535 kg more than 2002 Toyota Prius. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Toyota Prius, 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 (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Prius. (115 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Prius.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | 2002 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | C | Prius |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 1497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 48 L |
