1996 BMW M3 vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 2000 Mercedes-Benz C. (168 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2000 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 47 kg more than 2000 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, 2000 Mercedes-Benz C (370 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2000 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 2000 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | C |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 2683 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
