2009 BMW M3 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW M3 would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (454 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2009 BMW M3. (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 265 kg more than 2009 BMW M3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3. 2011 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | C |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 454 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 4.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 66 L |
