1990 BMW 518 vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 1990 BMW 518 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 3,005 cc (5 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 518 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240. (78 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1990 BMW 518.
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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 518 | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 518 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 3005 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 65 L |
