2004 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2012 BMW 530
To start off, 2012 BMW 530 is newer by 8 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 530 (271 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 2012 BMW 530 (310 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. (250 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz C | 2012 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | C | 530 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 70 L |
