2004 BMW 318 vs. 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 84 kg more than 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300.
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 BMW 318 (355 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300. (271 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1960 |
| 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 | 113 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 7.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 10 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 100 L |
