2006 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 6 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (536 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 2006 BMW M3. (355 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 610 kg more than 2006 BMW M3. 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 CL (799 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 429 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (370 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M3. 2012 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2006 BMW M3 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | M3 | CL |
Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3246 cc | 5500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 355 HP | 536 HP |
Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 370 Nm | 799 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 2180 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5105 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1872 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1427 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2954 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |