2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2004 BMW 325
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (264 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2004 BMW 325. (189 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 320 kg more than 2004 BMW 325. 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 CLS (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 375 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 325. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2004 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | CLS | 325 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2987 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 620 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 15.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.2 seconds | 7.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1882 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1417 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2875 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 63 L |
