2006 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2003 Pontiac Vibe
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 Pontiac Vibe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Pontiac Vibe would be higher. At 5,437 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (362 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 239 more horse power than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 410 kg more than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Pontiac Vibe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac Vibe will offer significantly more control. 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 (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Pontiac Vibe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | 2003 Pontiac Vibe | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | C | Vibe |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5437 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 91 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 45 L |
