1998 BMW 318 vs. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 (185 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 135 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.
Because 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 BMW 318. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 207 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.2 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.1 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.2 L/100km | 14.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 11.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 72 L |
