1988 BMW 316 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 316 would be higher. At 4,964 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 333 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 4964 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.6 seconds | 6.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |
