2004 BMW 318 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,964 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 555 kg more than 2004 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2004 BMW 318 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 318 | S |
Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 4964 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 114 HP | 302 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 460 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2700 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 97 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1855 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2850 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 88 L |