1988 BMW 520 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 364 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 125 kg more than 1988 BMW 520. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 526 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | CL |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 15.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 14 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 88 L |
