2006 BMW M3 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW M3 would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL (383 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2006 BMW M3. (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW M3.
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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M3. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | CL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 383 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
