1997 BMW S3 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW S3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW S3 would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW S3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW S3 (260 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (221 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 417 kg more than 1997 BMW S3.
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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW S3. (330 Nm). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW S3. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW S3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW S3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW S3 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S3 | C |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 258 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |
