2003 BMW 530 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 530 would be higher. At 5,437 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK (574 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 359 more horse power than 2003 BMW 530. (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 78 kg more than 2003 BMW 530. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK (800 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 299 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 530. (501 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 530. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 530 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 530 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 530 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 530 | CLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 5437 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 574 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 501 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 320 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.1 seconds | 4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1748 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.5 L/100km | 10.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.5 L/100km | 18.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 13.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 92 L |
