2001 BMW 318 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 3 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 430 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (167 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | CLS |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 80 L |
