2002 BMW 318 vs. 1977 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 BMW 318 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,745 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Mercedes-Benz S (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2002 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 308 kg more than 2002 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, 1977 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 318. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1977 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 318 | 1977 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | S |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1302 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 85 L |
