1989 BMW 850 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,460 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1989 BMW 850. (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 1575 kg more than 1989 BMW 850. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 850. (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 850 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 850 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 5460 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 62 L |
