1983 BMW 325 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 325 would be higher. At 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1983 BMW 325. (171 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 420 kg more than 1983 BMW 325. 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 325. (222 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 325. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 1983 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 1983 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 325 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 325 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1135 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
