1981 BMW 745 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 745. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 745 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (288 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1981 BMW 745. (252 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 745. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 145 kg more than 1981 BMW 745. 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, 1981 BMW 745 (380 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (365 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 745 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 745 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 745 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 745 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 745 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 12.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 80 L |
