1996 BMW Z3 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (475 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 274 more horse power than 1996 BMW Z3. (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 475 kg more than 1996 BMW Z3. 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 CLS (630 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 355 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW Z3. (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z3 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 475 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 80 L |
