2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2009 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 234 more horse power than 2009 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 318.
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 CLS (531 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 331 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2009 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | CLS | 318 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5461 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 382 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 531 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 63 L |
