1989 BMW 730 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 730 would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (518 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 337 more horse power than 1989 BMW 730. (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 340 kg more than 1989 BMW 730. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (699 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 438 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 730. (261 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 730. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1989 BMW 730 has manual transmission. 1989 BMW 730 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 730 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 730 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 261 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4996 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
