1986 BMW M6 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW M6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW M6 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1986 BMW M6. (282 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW M6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 455 kg more than 1986 BMW M6. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS (701 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 366 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW M6. (335 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW M6. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1986 BMW M6 has manual transmission. 1986 BMW M6 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M6 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M6 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 701 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
