1996 BMW 523 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 523 would be higher. At 5,460 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1996 BMW 523. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 523.
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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 523. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 523. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 523 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 523 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 5460 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
