1973 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2008 BMW 118
To start off, 2008 BMW 118 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2008 BMW 118. (141 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 225 kg more than 2008 BMW 118. 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, 2008 BMW 118 (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz S | 2008 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | S | 118 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 51 L |
