1996 BMW 840 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 840. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 840 would be higher. At 5,506 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 1996 BMW 840. (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 840. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 145 kg more than 1996 BMW 840. 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 (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 400 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 840. (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 840.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 840 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 840 | CL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 5506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 88 L |
