2004 BMW 318 vs. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 148 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S weights approximately 265 kg more than 2004 BMW 318.
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, 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S (230 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | 300S |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1951 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.6 seconds | 15 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 85 L |
