1988 BMW 524 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 524. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 524 would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 397 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 830 kg more than 1988 BMW 524. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL (831 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 621 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 524. (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 524. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 524 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 524 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 524 | CL |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 831 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 87 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 2185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2960 mm |
