1996 BMW 530 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 530 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 530 (193 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz C. (168 HP @ 3000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2011 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 530. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 530. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 530 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 530 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 530 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 530 | C |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 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 | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 66 L |
