2001 BMW 318 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S
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 S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,789 cc (12 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (362 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 532 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (540 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | S |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 87 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 88 L |
