2004 BMW 118 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2004 BMW 118 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz C (141 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2004 BMW 118. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 135 kg more than 2004 BMW 118. 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 Mercedes-Benz C (315 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 118. (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 118 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 118 | C |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.2:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.5 L/100km | 4.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.7 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.6 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 69 L |
