2008 BMW 525 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 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 525 would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 2008 BMW 525. (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 455 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
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 (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 525. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 525 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | CLS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
