1998 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz C. (342 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW M3 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1998 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 Mercedes-Benz C (511 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW M3. 1998 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz C | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | C | M3 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 511 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 63 L |
