2004 BMW 318 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 7 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 236 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | C |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 66 L |
