2006 BMW 318 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 318 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 261 more horse power than 2006 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 415 kg more than 2006 BMW 318. 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 400 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 318. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW 318 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:
| 2006 BMW 318 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | CLS |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 213 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.6 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 | 1475 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
