2006 BMW 550 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 550. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 550 would be higher. At 5,500 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 2006 BMW 550. (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 550.
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 CL (829 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 341 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 550. (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 550.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 550 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 550 | CL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4801 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 829 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 10.2 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 19.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
