1998 BMW 318 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 10 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), 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (383 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 267 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 591 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 383 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.2 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1986 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3170 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
