1996 BMW 523 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 12 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL (383 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 213 more horse power than 1996 BMW 523. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 450 kg more than 1996 BMW 523. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL (531 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 286 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 523. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 523. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 523 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 523 | CL |
Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2494 cc | 5461 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 170 HP | 383 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 245 Nm | 531 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 | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1995 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5070 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1880 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2960 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |