2003 BMW 318 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200
To start off, 2003 BMW 318 is newer by 30 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. (53 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 weights approximately 105 kg more than 2003 BMW 318.
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, 2003 BMW 318 (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. 2003 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 has manual transmission. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | 200 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 130 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.9 seconds | 31 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1365 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 |
