1999 BMW 318 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1999 BMW 318 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 318 (140 HP) has 6 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 318 weights approximately 38 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 318. 1999 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 has manual transmission. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 318 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | 230 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.2 seconds | 11.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1398 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.1 L/100km | 10.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11 L/100km | 12.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
