1995 BMW 318 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 BMW 318 would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 378 more horse power than 1995 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 564 kg more than 1995 BMW 318. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 430 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW 318. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1995 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1995 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW 318 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | SL |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 4.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.7 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.2 L/100km | 19.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
