1998 BMW 323 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 11 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 (170 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (154 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 323 weights approximately 242 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, 1998 BMW 323 (246 Nm) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (231 Nm). This means 1998 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 323 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | C |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.9 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 231 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1547 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2770 mm |
