2008 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 2009 BMW 523
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz A would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz A. (94 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 523 weights approximately 340 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 523 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz A. (140 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz A. 2009 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 2008 Mercedes-Benz A has manual transmission. 2008 Mercedes-Benz A will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz A | 2009 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | A | 523 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.2 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.6 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3840 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.4 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
