Car comparison

BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2vsMercedes-Benz CLK (A208) · Facelift 1999 AMG CLK 55 V8

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison

BMW M3 Convertible (E36)

3.2

321 hp3201 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCabriolet / convertible1995-1999
VS

Mercedes-Benz CLK (A208) · Facelift 1999

AMG CLK 55 V8

347 hp5439 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedCabriolet / convertible1999-2002

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    5.6 s
  • Fastest top speed
    260 km/h
    162 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Lightest
    1,560 kg
    3,439 lb
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    11.1 L/100 km
    21.2 mpg US
    25.4 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    17.0 L/100 km
    13.8 mpg US
    16.6 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    7.7 L/100 km
    30.5 mpg US
    36.7 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    559 km
    347 mi
  • Best economy score
    77/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2Mercedes-BenzCLK (A208)Facelift 1999AMG CLK 55 V8
Power
321hp239kW
347hp259kW
Torque
350Nm258lb-ft
510Nm376lb-ft
Curb weight
1,560kg3,439lb
1,680kg3,704lb
Gross weight
1,980kg4,365lb
2,080kg4,586lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
75.4s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
80.2s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.6s
6.2s
0-200 km/h
20.1s
Calculated
21.8s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.3s
Calculated
5.9s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
11.1L/100 km21.2mpg US25.4mpg UK
11.7L/100 km20.1mpg US24.1mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
17L/100 km13.8mpg US16.6mpg UK
17.1L/100 km13.8mpg US16.5mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
7.7L/100 km30.5mpg US36.7mpg UK
8.5L/100 km27.7mpg US33.2mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.7s
Calculated
14.2s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
206hp/t153kW/t93hp/1000 lb
Calculated
207hp/t154kW/t94hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
224Nm/t150lb-ft/ton
Calculated
304Nm/t203lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
559km347mi
Calculated
530km329mi
Calculated
Displacement
3,201cc195cu in
5,439cc332cu in
Length
4,433mm175in
4,567mm180in
Width
1,710mm67in
1,722mm68in
Height
1,340mm53in
1,380mm54in
Wheelbase
2,700mm106in
2,690mm106in
Front track
1,422mm56in
1,505mm59in
Rear track
1,444mm57in
1,488mm59in
Trunk volume
230L
-
Doors
2
2
Seats
4
4
Fuel tank
62L
62L

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2Mercedes-Benz CLK (A208) Facelift 1999 AMG CLK 55 V8PowerTorque
  • BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2: Power / Torque
  • Mercedes-Benz CLK (A208) Facelift 1999 AMG CLK 55 V8: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.27,400 rpm3,250 rpm7,650 rpm
Mercedes-BenzCLK (A208)Facelift 1999AMG CLK 55 V85,500 rpm3,000-4,300 rpm5,750 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2Mercedes-BenzCLK (A208)Facelift 1999AMG CLK 55 V8
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.3 s
5.9 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.6 s
6.2 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
20.1 s
21.8 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.3 s
2.4 s
330 ft
101 m
6.0 s
6.3 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.0 s
9.4 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.6 s
12.0 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.7 s
14.2 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
169 km/h
105 mph
165 km/h
103 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
321 hp
239 kW
Mercedes-BenzCLK (A208)Facelift 1999AMG CLK 55 V8
347 hp
259 kW

Mercedes-Benz CLK (A208) Facelift 1999 AMG CLK 55 V8 has 26 hp more than BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2.

The biggest power difference is between BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2 and Mercedes-Benz CLK (A208) Facelift 1999 AMG CLK 55 V8: 26 hp (19 kW).

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
350 Nm
258 lb-ft
Mercedes-BenzCLK (A208)Facelift 1999AMG CLK 55 V8
510 Nm
376 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
1,560 kg
3,439 lb
Mercedes-BenzCLK (A208)Facelift 1999AMG CLK 55 V8
1,680 kg
3,704 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Mercedes-BenzCLK (A208)Facelift 1999AMG CLK 55 V8
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.25.6 s
Mercedes-BenzCLK (A208)Facelift 1999AMG CLK 55 V86.2 s

Although Mercedes-Benz CLK (A208) Facelift 1999 AMG CLK 55 V8 has more power, BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2 is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2 and Mercedes-Benz CLK (A208) Facelift 1999 AMG CLK 55 V8: 0.6 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
11.1 L/100 km
21.2 mpg US
25.4 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzCLK (A208)Facelift 1999AMG CLK 55 V8
11.7 L/100 km
20.1 mpg US
24.1 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2 and Mercedes-Benz CLK (A208) Facelift 1999 AMG CLK 55 V8: 0.6 L/100 km.

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
206 hp/t
153 kW/t
4.9 kg/hp
Mercedes-BenzCLK (A208)Facelift 1999AMG CLK 55 V8
207 hp/t
154 kW/t
4.8 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
559 km
347 mi
Mercedes-BenzCLK (A208)Facelift 1999AMG CLK 55 V8
530 km
329 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
321 hp
239 kW
5.6 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Mercedes-BenzCLK (A208)Facelift 1999AMG CLK 55 V8
347 hp
259 kW
6.2 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
Power
321 hp
239 kW
0-100 km/h5.6 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
230 L
8.1 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,340 mm
52.8 in
Mercedes-BenzCLK (A208)Facelift 1999AMG CLK 55 V8
Power
347 hp
259 kW
0-100 km/h6.2 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk-
Length
4,567 mm
179.8 in
Height
1,380 mm
54.3 in

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
Power
321 hp
239 kW
0-100 km/h5.6 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
11.1 L/100 km
21.2 mpg US
25.4 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzCLK (A208)Facelift 1999AMG CLK 55 V8
Power
347 hp
259 kW
0-100 km/h6.2 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
11.7 L/100 km
20.1 mpg US
24.1 mpg UK

Mercedes-Benz CLK (A208) Facelift 1999 AMG CLK 55 V8 is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
11.1 L/100 km
21.2 mpg US
25.4 mpg UK
5.6 s
Mercedes-BenzCLK (A208)Facelift 1999AMG CLK 55 V8
11.7 L/100 km
20.1 mpg US
24.1 mpg UK
6.2 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
206 hp/t
153 kW/t
4.9 kg/hp
11.1 L/100 km
21.2 mpg US
25.4 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzCLK (A208)Facelift 1999AMG CLK 55 V8
207 hp/t
154 kW/t
4.8 kg/hp
11.7 L/100 km
20.1 mpg US
24.1 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2Mercedes-BenzCLK (A208)Facelift 1999AMG CLK 55 V8
Power
321 hp
239 kW
347 hp
259 kW
Torque
350 Nm
258 lb-ft
510 Nm
376 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.6 s
6.2 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,560 kg
3,439 lb
1,680 kg
3,704 lb
Fuel consumption
11.1 L/100 km
21.2 mpg US
25.4 mpg UK
11.7 L/100 km
20.1 mpg US
24.1 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
230 L
8.1 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,340 mm
52.8 in
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk-
Length
4,567 mm
179.8 in
Height
1,380 mm
54.3 in
Range score
559 km
347 mi
530 km
329 mi
Trunk score
230 L
8.1 cu ft
-
Power-to-weight score
206 hp/t
153 kW/t
4.9 kg/hp
207 hp/t
154 kW/t
4.8 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehicleBMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2Mercedes-Benz CLK (A208) Facelift 1999 AMG CLK 55 V8
Consumption11.1 L/100 km21.2 mpg US25.4 mpg UK11.7 L/100 km20.1 mpg US24.1 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km19.43 LC100 km20.47 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi31.26 LC100 mi32.95 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,665 L440 US gal366 UK gal1,755 L464 US gal386 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,914 LC/year3,071 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2

  • Is 120 kg lighter
  • Is 0.6 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 0.6 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 29 km (18 mi) more estimated range

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range

Cons

  • Lowest power

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2
Mercedes-Benz CLK (A208) AMG CLK 55 V8
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2 vehicles selected

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