2003 BMW 520 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (189 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 156 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (260 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1796 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1404 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
