1998 BMW 318 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS is newer by 13 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS (563 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 448 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS weights approximately 311 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS (649 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 469 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | SLS |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 563 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1621 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4638 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1938 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1252 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 85 L |
