2005 BMW 525 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW 525 would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 2005 BMW 525. (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 70 kg more than 2005 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 525 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | CLS |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 5.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1665 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 |
