1990 BMW 518 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 518 would be higher. At 6,208 cc, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS (508 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 395 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 760 kg more than 1990 BMW 518. 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 CLS (630 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 469 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 518 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 518 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 6208 cc |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 508 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 102.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 80 L |
