1998 BMW 325 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 14 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 2,498 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (136 HP @ 2800 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1998 BMW 325. (114 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 325.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (360 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 325. (220 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 325. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 325 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 325 | C |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 66 L |
