2003 BMW 520 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 3 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 115 kg more than 2003 BMW 520. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2006 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.5 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
