1998 BMW 325 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 325 would be higher. At 4,964 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1998 BMW 325. (114 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 376 kg more than 1998 BMW 325. 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 325. (220 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 325. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 325 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 325 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 4964 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1434 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 89 L |
