2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2008 BMW 525
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 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 525 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 187 more horse power than 2008 BMW 525. (215 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 340 kg more than 2008 BMW 525. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 525 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 BMW 525 will offer significantly more control. 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 350 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2008 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | CLS | 525 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4663 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 402 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| 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 | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1882 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1417 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2875 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
