2001 BMW 318 vs. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mercedes-Benz S (154 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 132 kg more than 2001 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, 1981 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1981 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318. 2001 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1981 Mercedes-Benz S has manual transmission. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2001 BMW 318 | 1981 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 318 | S |
Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2746 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 141 HP | 154 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 200 Nm | 223 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1560 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5030 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2950 mm |