1996 BMW 545 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 545. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 545 would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 1996 BMW 545. (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 545. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 45 kg more than 1996 BMW 545. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 545. (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 545.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 545 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 545 | CL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.1 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 88 L |
