1989 BMW 850 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (377 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1989 BMW 850. (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 580 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, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (392 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 850 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 850 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 377 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 392 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 246 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.4 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
