2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2003 BMW Z8
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW Z8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW Z8 would be higher. At 4,939 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 BMW Z8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2003 BMW Z8. (400 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW Z8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 305 kg more than 2003 BMW Z8. 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 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW Z8. (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW Z8. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW Z8 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW Z8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2003 BMW Z8 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | CLS | Z8 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4663 cc | 4939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 402 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1882 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1417 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2875 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.4 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 21.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 73 L |
