1990 BMW 518 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C (189 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 105 kg more than 1990 BMW 518. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C (260 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 518 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 518 | C |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 194 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.4 seconds | 8.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
