2008 BMW 320 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 320 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (288 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 310 kg more than 2008 BMW 320. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (365 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (201 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | CLS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.7 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
