2004 BMW M3 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW M3 weights approximately 84 kg more than 2006 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, 2004 BMW M3 (350 Nm) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (220 Nm). This means 2004 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW M3 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | C |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
