1988 BMW M3 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 17 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 2,683 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (160 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 375 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 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 2683 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 68.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 236 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
