2003 BMW 318 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 BMW 318 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,798 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 550 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, 2003 BMW 318 (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2003 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 318 | SL |
Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2798 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 141 HP | 204 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 271 Nm | 270 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73.5 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.1:1 |
Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.9 seconds | 9.7 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |