2003 BMW 318 vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2003 BMW 318 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 494 kg more than 2003 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 318. (167 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1794 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 70 L |
