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, 1996 BMW 740 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (203 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 740 should accelerate faster 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 740. (420 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 740.
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 | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 203 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| 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 Length | 5130 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 66 L |
