BMW 3-series vs the Mercedes Benz C-class

Though somewhat daunting for a first time user, the BMW’s iDrive control system is faster, giving the Mercedes a show of how things should be done. COURTESY PHOTO

What you need to know:

Buying a saloon car gets you a spacious car for your money, but which is the better bet - a BMW 3 Series or a Mercedes C-Class?

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is 4686mm long, has got an updated exterior and interior; redesigned bumper and fresh looking lights, a sportier suspension and streamlined trim options. The end product is a sedan that Aloysius Nangosya, a car dealer, says competes favourably in its class. However, it might not always come out on top, especially when compared with the performance potential of the BMW 3 series.

Features
The 2013 BMW 3 series 320D is 93mm longer than the old E90, 50mm of which goes into the wheelbase thus improving rear legroom. It has also got more boot capacity as well as adjustments have been made to make it bigger. It is indeed edgier than its predecessors.

Nonetheless, both models have got split-folding rear seats which makes them really practical saloon cars. However, if you need to carry passengers in the back, the BMW is your best pick as it offers more comfort for rear passengers.

Adrian Obonyo, an avid car lover compliments the Mercedes’ cabin saying it also has a greater look compared to the previous models, not forgetting the dashboard which has been revamped with an integrated screen and a much better driver display. Comparing it with that of the BMW, you will want that of the Mecerdes any day because it has a soft touch inasmuch as the BMW boasts of a dashboard that has got an appealing contemporary layout.

Similarities
Talking about similarities, both are two wheel drive, five-seater sedans with five doors. In addition to that, both have anti-lock brake systems. The Mercedes comes with a double sun roof, allowing you to get enough sunlight into the car. To sum up the style of these cars, the 3 Series gives a younger design and looks athletic, while the older C-Class still looks fresh, modern and stylish.

Interior
Looking at the interior, Phillip Mwangusho, a BMW owner says the BMW is a clear favourite regarding interior quality and space. Its cabin has got much more room and the trim quality is also higher. Though somewhat daunting for a first time user, the BMW’s iDrive control system is faster, giving the Mercedes a show of how things should be done.

The rotary controller and menu system has also evolved to give drivers an impressive and powerful way of navigating the car’s numerous functions.

The Mercedes has also got a revised engine that is more powerful and efficient than before. Even at fast speeds, this C class is very relaxing, very quiet, the seats are very comfortable and the standard fit adaptive dumpers will afford you a very comfortable ride. On the other hand, while the BMW is faster than the Mercedes, it is not quite as relaxing. Nonetheless, it is stable, handles twists turns quiet well and has a more precise steering combined with a more alert and talented chassis.

Mwangusho also notes that the Mercedes’ steering wheel is not quite as comfortable as the BMW’s. He, however, adds that the BMW’s steering wheel feels a little heavy while turning.

Adding to that, while the BMW is a 2000cc, the Mercedes’ engine capacity is 63000cc.
The BMW has got 1750 rpm of torque and 4000 rpm of power while the Mercedes boasts of 2800 rpm and 4200 rpm respectively.
Clarence Katende, another car fanatic says most of them are usually automatic transmission, although the Mercedes has got seven gears while the BMW comes with eight gears. He also adds that both cars are rear wheel drives with four cylinders.

Comparison
Fuel consumption
According to carfromjapan.com, an online portal, Mercedes C-Class comes with a couple of engines, whereas BMW 3 series has five alternatives. BMW 3 series through back-end wheel drive delivers 23 mpg in the city ways, which gets approximately 35 mpg on the stretching highways.
On the other hand, the Mercedes C class shows about twenty-five mpg in the cities, and about 30 mpg on the highways.

Latest specs
Another to compare these two sedans is to put lights on the tweaks introduced with their respective latest editions. Starting with BMW 3 series, the revamped version brings Bluetooth along with specs like navigation systems, and the power sunroof.
Coming to BMW 3-series, it flaunts all-out elegance, both at exterior and interior along with the whole new engine. The only thing that this edition retains is the C-Class Coupe; it is pretty much the same as it was last year.

Verdict
Theoretically, the Mercedes makes financial sense but newer models are not of such good value while the BMW is bigger, faster, and refined.