2002 BMW 318 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW 318 would be higher. At 5,500 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 397 more horse power than 2002 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 780 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (829 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 548 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 318. (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 318. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 318 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | S |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 829 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 2250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.5 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.6 L/100km | 19.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
