2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series

To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 106 more horse power than 2013 BMW 3 Series. (296 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2013 BMW 3 Series. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 85 kg more than 2013 BMW 3 Series. 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 193 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 BMW 3 Series. (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 BMW 3 Series. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 2013 BMW 3 Series has manual transmission. 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 2013 BMW 3 Series
Make Mercedes-Benz BMW
Model CLS 3 Series
Year Released 2012 2013
Body Type Sedan Convertible
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4663 cc 2979 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 402 HP 296 HP
Engine RPM 5000 RPM 5800 RPM
Torque 600 Nm 407 Nm
Torque RPM 1800 RPM 5000 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Top Speed 250 km/hour 240 km/hour
Acceleration 0-100mph 5.2 seconds 5.8 seconds
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 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1890 kg 1805 kg
Vehicle Length 4940 mm 4620 mm
Vehicle Width 1882 mm 1961 mm
Vehicle Height 1417 mm 1395 mm
Wheelbase Size 2875 mm 2760 mm
Fuel Consumption Highway 9.4 L/100km 7.2 L/100km
Fuel Consumption City 13.8 L/100km 11.2 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 80 L 61 L


 

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