1996 BMW 540 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 165 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. (225 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 540 | C |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2398 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 68.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 9.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
