2009 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (154 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz E. (94 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 7 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (230 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz E. (159 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | 1973 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C | E |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 65 L |
