1988 BMW M3 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 6,898 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR (613 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 392 more horse power than 1988 BMW M3. (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR weights approximately 344 kg more than 1988 BMW M3. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR (790 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 545 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | CLK GTR |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 6898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 613 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 790 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 322 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1544 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
