2008 BMW X3 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW X3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW X3 would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (454 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 2008 BMW X3. (260 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 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 163 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW X3. (315 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | X3 | C |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 454 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1818 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4724 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2766 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 66 L |
