2006 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 2001 BMW Z3
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 326 more horse power than 2001 BMW Z3. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 499 kg more than 2001 BMW Z3. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 591 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW Z3. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL | 2001 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | CL | Z3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 801 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.8 seconds | 8.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1885 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 51 L |
