2001 BMW 320 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (170 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 34 kg more than 2001 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | CLK |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 9.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
