2001 BMW 318 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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 5,437 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 377 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 565 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 S (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 520 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | S |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 5437 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 2005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 88 L |
