1996 BMW 316 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 316 would be higher. At 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (203 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1996 BMW 316. (101 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 316.
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 (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 316. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 316 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:
| 1996 BMW 316 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | C |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 203 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 66 L |
