1997 BMW 318 vs. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1997 BMW 318 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 (130 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1997 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 318 weights approximately 105 kg more than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230.
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, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 (198 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 318. (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 318 | 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | 230 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
