2006 BMW 325 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 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 325 would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (518 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 334 more horse power than 2006 BMW 325. (184 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 325 kg more than 2006 BMW 325. 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 (699 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 462 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 325. (237 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 325 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 325 | CLS |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2491 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4996 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.7 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
