2008 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2001 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 2,362 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Toyota Highlander (157 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 75 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Toyota Highlander, 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (270 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Toyota Highlander. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz C | 2001 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | C | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 2362 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 73 L |
