2004 BMW 525 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 525 would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 2004 BMW 525. (193 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 79 kg more than 2004 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 (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 355 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 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 2004 BMW 525. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 2004 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:
| 2004 BMW 525 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | CLS |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.2 seconds | 5.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
