2001 BMW 318 vs. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 3,839 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 (204 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 125 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, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 (315 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | 380 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2860 mm |
