1996 BMW 540 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 17 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 6,300 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz C (445 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 85 kg more than 2013 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz C (601 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 540 | C |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 6300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 445 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 601 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 102 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 5.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4707 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2008 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1433 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9 L/100km | 10.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.7 L/100km | 16 L/100km |
