1987 BMW 318 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 114 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 634 kg more than 1987 BMW 318.
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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz E (250 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 318. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 318. 1999 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1987 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1987 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 318 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | E |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2970 mm |
