2002 BMW 318 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200
To start off, 2002 BMW 318 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW 318 (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. (53 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 318 weights approximately 102 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. 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 BMW 318 (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. (114 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 has automatic transmission and 2002 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2002 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 318 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | 200 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 125 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 33.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1368 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
