2003 BMW 530 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 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 530 would be higher. At 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 530 (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (162 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 530 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 10 kg more than 2003 BMW 530.
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, 2003 BMW 530 (501 Nm) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (240 Nm). This means 2003 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. 2003 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 2006 Mercedes-Benz C has manual transmission. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 530 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 530 | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 501 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 243 km/hour | 234 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.3 seconds | 9.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
