1998 BMW 740 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 740 would be higher. At 4,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1998 BMW 740. (286 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 740. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 740 weights approximately 158 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 740. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 740.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 740 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 740 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4965 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 6.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1968 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 80 L |
