1998 BMW 320 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 14 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 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 490 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 310 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320. 2012 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
