1990 BMW 316 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 316 would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 393 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 810 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 659 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | CL |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 88 L |
