2003 BMW 525 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (201 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2003 BMW 525. (184 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 525.
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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (310 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 525. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 525. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 525 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 66 L |
