2001 BMW 320 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 11 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 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 362 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 640 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (829 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 498 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 320. (331 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 320. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW 320 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:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | CL |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 829 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
