2009 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 3 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 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 211 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (203 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3. 2012 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | C |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 203 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.3 seconds | 7.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 66 L |
