2009 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2002 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Toyota Solara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Toyota Solara would be higher. At 2,985 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Solara. (162 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Solara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 255 kg more than 2002 Toyota Solara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Solara, 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 286 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Solara. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Solara.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | 2002 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | C | Solara |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2985 cc | 2438 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.7:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2680 mm |
