2003 BMW 318 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
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 S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 352 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 875 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 530 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 318. (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | S |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 801 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 87 mm |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.9 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 2135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 88 L |
