1990 BMW M3 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (221 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 530 kg more than 1990 BMW M3.
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 CLK (510 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 62 L |
