1998 BMW 316 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 316 would be higher. At 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (621 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 515 more horse power than 1998 BMW 316. (106 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1030 kg more than 1998 BMW 316. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (999 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 834 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 316. (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 316. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | CL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 621 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 2280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 5105 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 90 L |
