2002 BMW 318 vs. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 2002 BMW 318 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 (134 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2002 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 318 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230.
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 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 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. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 318 | 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | 230 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 10.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.5 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.6 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.6 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
