1998 BMW M vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW M would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW M (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW M should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 335 kg more than 1998 BMW M.
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, both vehicles can yield 340 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW M has manual transmission. 1998 BMW M will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW M | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M | C |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.4 seconds | 10.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 65 L |
