2008 BMW M3 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (220 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 165 kg more than 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (312 Nm). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | CLK |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 83.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2830 mm |
