2008 BMW 523 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 3 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (203 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 523 | C |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 203 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 7.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 66 L |
