1997 BMW 318 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 318 would be higher. At 3,228 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1997 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 340 kg more than 1997 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E (500 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 332 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 318. (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 318 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | E |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 3228 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
