2001 BMW 318 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 318 (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz E. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 160 kg more than 2001 BMW 318.
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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz E (250 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318. 1999 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | E |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 88.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
