1998 BMW 318 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 8 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (384 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 269 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 630 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 280 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 384 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 280 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3040 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 90 L |
