1996 BMW M3 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 13 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 39 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (201 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 240 kg more than 2009 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 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (245 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | C |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
