1997 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2008 BMW 318
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 130 kg more than 2008 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (531 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 331 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | 2008 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | E | 318 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 531 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 207 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.7 seconds | 10.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 63 L |
