1996 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 16 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), 2012 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 2012 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 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 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | C | 520 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| 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 | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
