2002 BMW 318 vs. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 BMW 318 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2002 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 360 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, 2002 BMW 318 (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 318 | 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | SL |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 9.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
