2008 BMW M3 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS would be higher. At 5,438 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 2008 BMW M3. (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 265 kg more than 2008 BMW M3. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW M3. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | CLS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 5438 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 13.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
