2003 BMW 525 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2003 BMW 525. (184 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 235 kg more than 2003 BMW 525. 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 CLS (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 525. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 525. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW 525 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 525 | CLS |
Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2143 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 184 HP | 201 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 245 Nm | 500 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 16.2:1 |
Top Speed | 238 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1800 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4940 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1882 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1417 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2875 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |