2004 BMW 318 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 352 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 480 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 600 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318. 2003 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. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | S |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 2060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3090 mm |
