1998 BMW 320 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 320 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 335 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 484 kg more than 1998 BMW 320. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS (701 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 421 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 701 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 207 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.3 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1476 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.6 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.2 L/100km | 20.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 13.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
