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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2001 Toyota Highlander. (217 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2001 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 200 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C.
Because 2001 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Toyota Highlander 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Toyota Highlander. (301 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Toyota Highlander. 2001 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2008 Mercedes-Benz C has manual transmission. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | 3498 cc | 2954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2730 mm |
