1986 BMW M3 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,302 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M3 (197 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. (189 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 295 kg more than 1986 BMW M3.
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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C (260 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M3 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | C |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 8.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2720 mm |
