2000 BMW Z3 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 2,488 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW Z3 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 155 kg more than 2000 BMW Z3.
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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C (250 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW Z3. (237 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW Z3. 2000 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 2004 Mercedes-Benz C has manual transmission. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW Z3 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z3 | C |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.9 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 69 L |
