1988 BMW M3 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 19 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL (494 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 302 more horse power than 1988 BMW M3. (192 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 779 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 570 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (230 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3. 2007 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. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | CL |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 494 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 227 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 | 1296 kg | 2075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 88 L |
