BMW 3 series 2001 vs Mercedes C class 2003
| Gearbox: | Manual | Manual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 3.0 Petrol | 3.2 Petrol | |
| Camshaft drive: | Timing chain | Timing chain | |
Performance | |||
| Power: | 231 HP | 218 HP | |
| Torque: | 300 NM | 310 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 6.6 seconds | 7.8 seconds | |
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BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 13 HP more power than Mercedes C class, but torque is 10 NM less than Mercedes C class. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 1.2 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 9.6 | 10.8 | |
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The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. BMW 3 series consumes 1.2 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes C class, which means that by driving the BMW 3 series over 15,000 km in a year you can save 180 litres of fuel. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 litres | 62 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 650 km in combined cycle | 570 km in combined cycle | |
| 850 km on highway | 790 km on highway | ||
| BMW 3 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank. | |||
Drive type | |||
| Wheel drive type: | 4x4 - AWD (all-wheel-drive) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) | |
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BMW 3 sērija has 4x4: 38% front and 62% rear torque distribution via planetary gears. ADB-X (Automatic Differential Brake) electronic traction control system provides differential locking functions. | |||
Engines | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 460'000 km | 480'000 km | |
| Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 7 years | 10 years | |
| Engine spread: | Installed on at least 6 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW X5, BMW 7 sērija, BMW X3, BMW Z4 | Installed on at least 8 other car models, including Mercedes E klase, Mercedes ML, Chrysler Crossfire | |
| In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. Mercedes C class might be a better choice in this respect. | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 4.47 m | 4.53 m | |
| Width: | 1.74 m | 1.73 m | |
| Height: | 1.42 m | 1.43 m | |
| Both cars are similar in size. BMW 3 series is 6 cm shorter than the Mercedes C class, 1 cm wider, while the height of BMW 3 series is 1 cm lower. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 440 litres | no data | |
| Turning diameter: | 10 meters | 10.8 meters | |
| The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 0.8 metres less than that of the Mercedes C class, which means BMW 3 series can be easier to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 2`020 | 1`500 | |
| Safety: | |||
| Quality: | below average | below average | |
| Mercedes C class has slightly fewer faults. Deffect rate in annual technical inspection is similar for both cars, it's slightly higher for BMW 3 series, so Mercedes C class quality could be a bit better. | |||
| Average price (€): | 2400 | 1400 | |
| Rating in user reviews: | 7.9/10 | 7.9/10 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
BMW 3 sērija has
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Mercedes C klase has
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