2003 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2012 BMW 118
To start off, 2012 BMW 118 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 118 (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 100 kg more than 2012 BMW 118.
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 Mercedes-Benz C (315 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 118. (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz C | 2012 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | C | 118 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.3 seconds | 8.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4324 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 4.5 L/100km | 4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.3 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 4.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 51 L |
