2003 BMW 318 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 318 would be higher. Both 2003 BMW 318 and 2004 Mercedes-Benz C are equipped with a 1,796 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C (160 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 38 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C (240 Nm) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 318. (175 Nm). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
