1998 BMW 318 vs. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S weights approximately 205 kg more than 1998 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, 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S (230 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1998 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S has manual transmission. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | 300S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1951 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1893 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.8 seconds | 15 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 85 L |
