2001 BMW 318 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK (167 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 275 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (167 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | CLK |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 70 L |
