2006 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2003 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Toyota Solara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Toyota Solara would be higher. At 4,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E (302 HP @ 3000 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Solara. (162 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Solara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 330 kg more than 2003 Toyota Solara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 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 E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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 E (460 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Solara. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Solara. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2003 Toyota Solara has manual transmission. 2003 Toyota Solara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz E | 2003 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | E | Solara |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4965 cc | 2437 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2680 mm |
