1990 BMW 518 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 21 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 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (168 HP @ 3000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 518 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 518 | C |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 194 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.4 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 66 L |
