2001 BMW 318 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 10 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 377 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 511 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 430 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | SL |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
