2001 BMW 318 vs. 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 318 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300.
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, 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 (271 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 100 L |
