1996 BMW M3 vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 2000 Mercedes-Benz C. (100 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2000 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2000 Mercedes-Benz C. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 M3 (320 Nm) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mercedes-Benz C. (236 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 2000 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | C |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 69 L |
