2008 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW M3 would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (518 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 2008 BMW M3. (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 370 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (699 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 334 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW M3. 2012 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | CLS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4996 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
