1990 BMW M3 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 16 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 5,506 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 255 more horse power than 1990 BMW M3. (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 685 kg more than 1990 BMW M3. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 560 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | CL |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 5506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.5 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 88 L |
