2001 BMW 318 vs. 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,307 cc (6 cylinders), 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 (150 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 318 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230.
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, 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 (216 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | 230 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.3:1 |
| 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 | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
