1996 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 120 (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 120 weights approximately 115 kg more than 1996 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, 2010 BMW 120 (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | C | 120 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.3 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 53 L |
