2004 BMW 318 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 318 would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 355 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 535 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E (701 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 521 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | E |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 701 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 80 L |
