1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2009 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2009 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 318 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300.
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, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 (271 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 318. 2009 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2009 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 300 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2995 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10 seconds | 10.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 63 L |
