2001 BMW 318 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS is newer by 12 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 6,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS (575 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 459 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS weights approximately 183 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS (649 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 469 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | SLS |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 6300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 575 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 102 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1623 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4638 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2078 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1262 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2680 mm |
