2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2011 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 BMW Z4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 BMW Z4 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 220 more horse power than 2011 BMW Z4. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 410 kg more than 2011 BMW Z4. 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 330 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW Z4. (270 Nm @ 1250 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW Z4. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW Z4 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 | 2011 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | CLS | Z4 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4663 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 402 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 6.9 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 | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1882 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1417 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2875 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
