1998 BMW 330 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 330 would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1998 BMW 330. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 340 kg more than 1998 BMW 330. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 319 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 330. (281 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 330. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 330 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 330 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 BMW 330 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 330 | CLS |
Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2793 cc | 4663 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 190 HP | 402 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 281 Nm | 600 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1735 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4940 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1882 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1417 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2875 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |