1992 BMW 540 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 540 would be higher. At 5,500 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 228 more horse power than 1992 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 570 kg more than 1992 BMW 540. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (829 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 429 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW 540. (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 540 | CL |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3980 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 829 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 90 L |
