2003 BMW 520 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 5,506 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 326 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 215 kg more than 2003 BMW 520. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 590 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | CL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 5506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.5 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.8 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.5 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 88 L |
