2009 BMW M3 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 273 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 200 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. (315 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | C |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 88.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.3 seconds | 10.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 4.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.9 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 69 L |
