2009 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 318 would be higher. At 5,512 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 362 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 710 kg more than 2004 BMW 318. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (830 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 630 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | CL | 318 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5512 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.6 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2185 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 18.1 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 63 L |
