2006 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 6 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X3 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 185 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.
Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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 X3 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (341 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | C | X3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 341 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.3 seconds | 6.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.4 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
