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 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (161 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 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 40 kg more than 2003 BMW 520.
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 (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 30 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 | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 226 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 9.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
