2008 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1996 BMW 730
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 730 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 730 (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 39 kg more than 1996 BMW 730.
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 Mercedes-Benz C (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 730. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz C | 1996 BMW 730 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | C | 730 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 2793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1746 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2950 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 90 L |
