2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2008 BMW 320
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 320 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 254 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 385 kg more than 2008 BMW 320. 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 400 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2008 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | CLS | 320 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4663 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 402 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 9.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1882 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1417 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2875 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 63 L |
