1988 BMW M3 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 11 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 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 300 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
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, 1988 BMW M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (185 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 69 L |
