2003 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 6 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 2,170 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (154 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 365 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (231 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 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 | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.5 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
