2008 BMW 523 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 523 would be higher. At 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (621 HP) has 446 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1000 kg more than 2008 BMW 523. 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 CL (999 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 769 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 523 | CL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 621 HP |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 2280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5105 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
