2009 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW M3 weights approximately 360 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. 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 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (241 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | C | M3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.4 seconds | 5.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 63 L |
