2003 BMW 318 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2003 BMW 318 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK (169 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 290 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 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (250 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 2003 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK has manual transmission. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | CLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 231 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.9 seconds | 9.2 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 | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
