2006 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (222 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 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 25 kg more than 2011 BMW M3.
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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | C | M3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2987 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 222 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 244 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.4 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 63 L |
