1997 BMW 850 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 619 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (400 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 850 | C |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2770 mm |
