2009 BMW 523 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 523 would be higher. At 5,500 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 335 more horse power than 2009 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 645 kg more than 2009 BMW 523. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (829 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 599 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 523 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 523 | CL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 829 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
