2012 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2008 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW Z4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW Z4 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW Z4 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (203 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW Z4 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 250 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW Z4. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | 2008 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | C | Z4 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2143 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.3 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4606 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1459 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 55 L |
