2012 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2004 Seat Altea
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Seat Altea. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Seat Altea would be higher. At 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Seat Altea (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (136 HP @ 2800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Seat Altea 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, 2004 Seat Altea, 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 (360 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Seat Altea. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Seat Altea.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | 2004 Seat Altea | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Seat |
| Model | C | Altea |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2143 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 2800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.2:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.6 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4606 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1459 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 55 L |
