1998 BMW 318 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 7 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 216 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | E |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.9 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1506 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 65 L |
