1996 BMW 325 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 325 would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS (507 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 339 more horse power than 1996 BMW 325. (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 525 kg more than 1996 BMW 325. 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 385 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 325. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 325. 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 325 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 325 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 507 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1910 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1872 mm |
