2006 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2012 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 BMW Z4 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW Z4 (255 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (149 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW Z4 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 310 kg more than 2012 BMW Z4.
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 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW Z4. (298 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW Z4. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW Z4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | 2012 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | C | Z4 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
