2000 BMW Z3 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 5,500 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 320 more horse power than 2000 BMW Z3. (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2000 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 905 kg more than 2000 BMW Z3. 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 CL (829 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 592 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW Z3. (237 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW Z3. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 2000 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 2000 BMW Z3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW Z3 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z3 | CL |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2489 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 829 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 90 L |
