2006 BMW 523 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 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 523 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2006 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 168 kg more than 2006 BMW 523. 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 (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 523. (230 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 523. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW 523 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 523 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 523 | CLS |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
