2004 BMW 318 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
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 SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 285 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 SL (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2004 BMW 318 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 318 | SL |
Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2797 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 190 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 200 Nm | 270 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73.5 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1760 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |