2004 BMW M3 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW M3 (317 HP @ 7250 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC. (181 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW M3 weights approximately 310 kg more than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC. 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 BMW M3 (355 Nm) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC. (250 Nm). This means 2004 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW M3 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | CLC |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1775 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.2 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
