2008 BMW M3 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 2 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 3,246 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 198 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 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 215 kg more than 2008 BMW M3.
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 M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (220 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW M3 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:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | C |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
