2006 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2002 Toyota Solara
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 Solara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Toyota Solara would be higher. At 2,438 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Toyota Solara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Toyota Solara (162 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Solara 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 390 kg more than 2002 Toyota Solara.
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 Solara, 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 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Solara. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Solara.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | 2002 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | C | Solara |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2438 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2680 mm |
