2012 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2009 Tesla Roadster
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Tesla Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Tesla Roadster would be higher. In terms of performance, 2009 Tesla Roadster (288 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (263 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Tesla Roadster should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 525 kg more than 2009 Tesla Roadster.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (620 Nm) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Tesla Roadster. (370 Nm). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Tesla Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | 2009 Tesla Roadster | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Tesla |
| Model | C | Roadster |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Type | V | electric |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 620 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Electric |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Single Speed |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4606 mm | 3947 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1459 mm | 1128 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2352 mm |
