1999 BMW 318 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 318 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (618 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 502 more horse power than 1999 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 385 kg more than 1999 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (780 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 600 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 318. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren has automatic transmission and 1999 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1999 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 318 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | SLR McLaren |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 618 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 780 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 97 L |
