2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2012 BMW 318
To start off, 2012 BMW 318 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (518 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 375 more horse power than 2012 BMW 318. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 445 kg more than 2012 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (699 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 379 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 318. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 318. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2012 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | CLS | 318 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5500 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 699 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1700 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1940 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4996 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1882 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1407 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2875 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 57 L |
