Mercedes-Benz C 220 BlueTec W205 vs BMW 320d F30

In its segment, the car to be dethroned in terms of sales is naturally the BMW 3 Series – as it has been for some time in most markets – so it's only natural that pretty much every potential customer is interested in how the two models compare against each other.

In terms of available safety and comfort features the C-Class is quite a bit ahead of the 3 Series, as it is the much newer model, but how does it compare in areas where Mercedes-Benz is not known to excel against its rival from Munich?

For example, the two best sold variants of the two Germans in Europe – their largest market - are likely to consist of the Mercedes-Benz C 220 BlueTec and the BMW 320d, respectively.

On paper, things are pretty close in terms of power and torque output, with the C 220 BlueTec's 2.1-liter four-cylinder developing 170 hp and 400 Nm (295 lb ft) of torque, while the 320d has 184 hp and 380 Nm (280 lb ft) of torque from a two-liter four-pot.

When fitted with automatic transmissions, the combined fuel consumption officially quoted is slightly in the favor of the Mercedes-Benz, while the naught to 100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration numbers are dead even at 7.4 seconds.

What happens in real life though? Well, the following video is hardly a measure to take into account, but it seems that in this particular example the Mercedes-Benz is surprisingly faster than its Bavarian arch enemy, despite (or maybe thanks to) the fact the it has less horsepower but more torque. Either way, it is confirmed once again that both Mercedes-Benz and BMW develop cars while keeping their sights firmly planted on their competitors.