1990 BMW M3 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 19 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 5,461 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 139 more horse power than 1990 BMW M3. (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 635 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (392 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW M3. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 377 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 392 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 11.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 80 L |
