2009 BMW M3 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 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 294 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 174 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 (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (270 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | C |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.1 seconds | 11.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1494 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
