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 193 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (221 HP @ 3800 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 190 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (400 Nm). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | C |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
