1996 BMW 740 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 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 740 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1996 BMW 740. (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 740. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 740 weights approximately 329 kg more 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, 1996 BMW 740 (420 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 740 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 740 | C |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 66 L |
