1998 BMW 318 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 250 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 85 L |
