2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (617 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 476 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 250 kg more than 2003 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (780 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 464 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. (316 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | 2003 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SLR McLaren | C |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 617 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 780 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 334 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 3.8 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1770 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.5 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 69 L |
