1996 BMW M3 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 15 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 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz C. (201 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 127 kg more than 2011 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 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz C. (310 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW M3 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz C | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | M3 | C |
Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3169 cc | 1800 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 328 HP | 201 HP |
Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 350 Nm | 310 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1505 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4592 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1445 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2761 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 66 L |