1998 BMW 323 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 323 (169 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 35 kg more than 1998 BMW 323.
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, 1998 BMW 323 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 323 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 323 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | C |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 233 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8 seconds | 9.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
