1988 BMW M3 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 M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 5,439 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 272 more horse power than 1988 BMW M3. (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 795 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (701 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 456 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | CL |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 701 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 88 L |
