2006 BMW M3 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (221 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 181 kg more 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 CLK (510 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M3. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | CLK |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 8.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
