2008 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 332 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 510 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 460 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz C | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 234 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 13.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 88 L |
