1998 BMW 320 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 11 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 248 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 225 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
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 (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 BMW 320 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 320 | CLS |
Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1951 cc | 5461 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 134 HP | 382 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 281 Nm | 530 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1225 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4910 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1880 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2860 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 4.5 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 7.7 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |