2008 Toyota Highlander vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 3,546 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Highlander (271 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (203 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Toyota Highlander. (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Toyota Highlander | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Highlander | C |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3546 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 203 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 66 L |
