2008 BMW X3 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz C (303 HP @ 5850 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2008 BMW X3. (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X3 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz C (410 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW X3. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW X3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW X3 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | X3 | C |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5850 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 69 L |
