1998 BMW 325 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 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,985 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1998 BMW 325. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 395 kg more than 1998 BMW 325. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 325. (250 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 325 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 325 | C |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 17.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 66 L |
