1991 BMW 518 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 BMW 518 would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL (303 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1991 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1991 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 725 kg more than 1991 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 BMW 518. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1991 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1991 BMW 518 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:
| 1991 BMW 518 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 518 | CL |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| 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 | 1160 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2860 mm |
