1991 BMW M12 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 BMW M12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 BMW M12 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1991 BMW M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 BMW M12 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (136 HP @ 2800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 BMW M12 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 1991 BMW M12 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (360 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1991 BMW M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1991 BMW M12 has manual transmission. 1991 BMW M12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 BMW M12 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M12 | C |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2760 mm |
