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 |