1987 BMW 324 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 324. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 324 would be higher. At 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (429 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 316 more horse power than 1987 BMW 324. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 324. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 835 kg more than 1987 BMW 324. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1987 BMW 324. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (699 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 485 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 324. (214 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 324. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1987 BMW 324 has manual transmission. 1987 BMW 324 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 324 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 324 | CL |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 429 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 2095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.9 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.9 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 90 L |
