2008 BMW 325 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 325 would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (518 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 329 more horse power than 2008 BMW 325. (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 455 kg more than 2008 BMW 325. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (699 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 454 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 325. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 325. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 325 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 325 | CLS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 5500 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1700 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4996 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
