2006 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2003 Acura RSX
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Acura RSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Acura RSX would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Acura RSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2003 Acura RSX. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2003 Acura RSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 468 kg more than 2003 Acura RSX. 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, 2003 Acura RSX, 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 (241 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura RSX. (191 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura RSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | 2003 Acura RSX | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Acura |
| Model | C | RSX |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| 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 | 161 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1222 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
