1988 BMW M3 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 1630 kg more than 1988 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | C |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
