German Car Forum

Acceleration and topspeed speculations.

330i
272 hp, 315nm@2750rpm, 3.0 liters, 1525 kg

CLK 350
272 hp, 350nm@2400rpm, 3.5 liters, 1625 kg

On paper they seem to be equally fast but which of them is going to accelerate faster and have the highest topspeed. Both have 272hp but CLK has more torque and 330i seem to have lower weight. This battle can be extremly close in future carcomparisons.

Any opinions regarding this subject?

When is Merc's new CGI's coming out?

I dont know but if its not out yet then lets discuss the engine that do exist. Okej.

Ok.
Acceleration the 330i will obviously win same power, less weight, and new chassis.

Thats a very nice comparison, but I think the BMW will accelerate faster because of the 100 kg of the CLK...

do you think chassi big factor in acceleration?

Also I want to add that CLK350 has a fast 7G gearbox and BMW has their new and more effective Steptronic compared to the old one. Intresting IMO. Im looking forward to reading this.

I wonder if its a coincidence that both have 272hp?

Fairly big.

I don't think the extra 100kg will make much difference. It's approximately 6.5% of the 330i's weight, less of the CLK's. That should mean only 0.1s or 0.2s difference, IMO, in otherwise equivalent cars (which they're not, but that's not the point yet).

So, the differences will be in not so much what the maximum torque and hp is, but also where in the rev range it is produced. A large rev range with useable torque will mean there is enough pulling power over a wide rev range for the transmission to make use of.

Speaking of that, that should be the other big factor. How fast the transmission shifts, and what the gear ratios are like. The Mercedes has a slight advantage off the bat, having one extra gear to play with; but if they are more concerned with cruising and economy, then it might not matter much.

The Merc's weight handicap is somewhat annuled by its higher torque... so it's going to be a close call. I would give the 3er the edge because the I don't think the torque difference is enough to compensate the weight (I could be wrong though).

And for those who don't think a 100 kg is a big deal... remember that 100 kg (220 lbs) is the equivalent of a hefty full grown adult... so take two same cars and drag race them... but put a 220 lbs guy in the back seat and see who wins?!

I think this is a very tough challenge , both cars have stronge capabilities in means chassis and agility ...... The CLK is a very stiff car with good body balance and handling , lets see how good this 3er will be . Im suggesting the magazines will take the 3er over the CLK since it's the newer car here .

I would still bet on the Beemer to win Car Mag comparos due to its sportier feel and handling capabilities. I would still see the CLK as more of a cruiser with its heavier weight. However, they are probably close in most aspects, probably just comes down to personal preference for buyers.

Actually, I was referring mostly to straight line acceleration performance, before. If you mean general performance, I expect the 3er to win out. BMWs have generally been the darlings of the motoring media, regardless of popularity or otherwise.

That said, the BMW should be better. Mercedes have never positioned the CLK as a sports car, more a luxury coupe with a bit of sporting ability.

my intention with this thread is about straightline performance only, no handling at all.

We'll see. I suspect the 3er will win. Waiting for the ZSGs.


Maybe the anglo-saxon press. German press seem to be more biased to MB and Audi.
For the anglo-saxon press BMW have been a dring for almost 40 years to the driving dynamics of their cars. And they'll probably continue to be so.

True.