2009 BMW M3 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK
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 CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (228 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
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 CLK (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (295 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | CLK |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 11.1:1 |
| 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 | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.9 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
