2004 BMW 318 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (168 HP @ 3000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 328 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 E (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (355 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E 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 E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | E |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 231 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 8.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1798 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
