2008 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL. (383 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL.
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 Mercedes-Benz CL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW M3. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | CL | M3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5461 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 383 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.2 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 17.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 63 L |
