1996 BMW Z3 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW Z3 (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. (161 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 281 kg more than 1996 BMW Z3.
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 Z3 (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z3 | C |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 231 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1536 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 62 L |
