2009 BMW M3 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 1 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 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 2009 BMW M3. (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW M3.
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 (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 706 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (295 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 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:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | CL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 1001 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 11.9 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17 L/100km | 21.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.9 L/100km | 14.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
