1998 BMW 318 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. Both 1998 BMW 318 and 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK are equipped with a 1,796 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK (167 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 220 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (169 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
