1998 BMW 320 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 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 320 would be higher. At 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (429 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 259 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (170 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 595 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.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 BMW 320. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will offer significantly more control. 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 (699 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 489 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | CL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2169 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 429 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 2095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
