1997 BMW S3 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 16 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 6,300 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz C (445 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1997 BMW S3. (260 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW S3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 362 kg more than 1997 BMW S3. 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz C (601 Nm) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW S3. (330 Nm). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW S3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW S3 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S3 | C |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 6300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 445 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 601 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 258 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1997 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1406 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2760 mm |
