1998 BMW 318 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 weights approximately 281 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 (287 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | 350 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 3499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 287 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 65.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1676 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 95 L |
