1993 BMW 856 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 BMW 856. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 BMW 856 would be higher. At 5,576 cc (12 cylinders), 1993 BMW 856 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 BMW 856 (376 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (201 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 BMW 856 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 BMW 856 weights approximately 65 kg more than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. 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, 1993 BMW 856 (550 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1993 BMW 856 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1993 BMW 856 has manual transmission. 1993 BMW 856 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 BMW 856 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 856 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1993 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5576 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 550 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1865 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2875 mm |
