2007 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 266 more horse power than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 65 kg more than 2007 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, 2012 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. (340 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mercedes-Benz C | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | C | M3 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2146 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.3 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.4 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 63 L |
