1996 BMW 318 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1996 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 145 kg more than 1996 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (340 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 318. (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 318 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | C |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| 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 | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
