2003 BMW M3 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW M3 would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (432 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2003 BMW M3. (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 835 kg more than 2003 BMW M3. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (700 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | CL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 432 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.8 L/100km | 19.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
