2009 BMW Z4 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW Z4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW Z4 would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2009 BMW Z4. (335 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 580 kg more than 2009 BMW Z4. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW Z4. (315 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW Z4 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z4 | CLS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 244 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.2 seconds | 5.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
