2003 BMW 520 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 5 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 6,208 cc, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 220 kg more than 2003 BMW 520.
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 (630 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 420 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | CLS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 6208 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 102.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.7 L/100km | 12 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
