2004 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2010 BMW M3
To start off, 2010 BMW M3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 4,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 300 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW M3 weights approximately 368 kg more than 2004 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, 2010 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. (250 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2010 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2010 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2010 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz C | 2010 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | C | M3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1512 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 63 L |
