1998 BMW 318 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 6 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. At 3,222 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 610 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (500 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 320 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2004 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 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1893 cc | 3222 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.8 seconds | 8.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 88 L |
