1996 BMW 530 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 530 would be higher. At 5,512 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 317 more horse power than 1996 BMW 530. (193 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 670 kg more than 1996 BMW 530. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (830 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 550 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 530. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 530. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 530 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 530 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 530 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 530 | CL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 5512 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 2185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 90 L |
