2008 BMW 523 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 523 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 40 kg more than 2008 BMW 523.
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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 523 | C |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 10 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
